Iowa World War II POW camps
What were thousands of enemy soldiers doing in Iowa from 1943 to 1946? Find out at the Humanities Iowa program at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Le Grand Pioneer Heritage Library. Chad W. Timm, an Associate Professor of Education at Simpson College, will present “Working with the Enemy: German, Italian and Japanese Prisoners of War in Iowa during the...
Inkberry Books to host author event with Francesca Howell
Many have dubbed America to be a melting pot of cultures that has coagulated into something unique. Other scholars argue that the country is more of a tapestry, where some cultures are maintained and others are transformed. For Francesca Ciancimino Howell, this tapestry metaphor seems more relevant–as an Irish-Italian-American, her unique heritage...
Sistine Chapel coming to Kansas City in March
From March 11 to May 1, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition will set up shop at the Country Club Plaza. “This exhibition gives visitors a chance to engage with Rome’s most iconic treasures in ways that were never possible,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of Los Angeles-based SEE Global Entertainment, which produces the exhibit. The nearly-life-size...
St Ambrose Catholic Church on The Hill - Evelyn Astengo's Masterpiece on Display
"The primary intention of my religious paintings is depicting God’s love for us, a love that can be emanated from Himself or, indirectly, from any creation of Him. God’s love is absolute, regardless of how we perceive it in our limitations. In my work "The Madonna and Her Children" I wanted to represent a realistic young holy Mary loving her Son an...
Italian American Women of Iowa announces the newest board for 2022-2023 term
Italian American Women of Iowa (IAWI) is proud to announce the following have been nominated and elected to serve on the IAWI Board of Directors: President- Jennifer Caito-Ellingson, Vice President-Deb Pane, Secretary-Karly Prinds, Treasurer-Karen Scavo, Sgt of Arms-Gloria Stefani and Auditor-Theresa Russo Dyer. Installed in January 2021, the newes...
Botticelli Comes to the Minneapolis Institute of Art
One of the most comprehensive shows on Botticelli ever staged in the U.S. is coming to the Minneapolis Institute of Art this coming fall, according to a press release. It’s part of an exhibit that celebrates Renaissance Florence. Starting Oct. 15 and running through Jan. 8, 2023, Botticelli and Renaissance Florence: Masterworks from the Uffizi will...
Future Home of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa
The iconic Butler Mansion on Fleur Dr in Des Moines IA, was built in 1934, in a style the architecture magazines called Streamlined Moderne, a late version of art deco that possibly had more of the practical and less panache. It was forward-looking per the wishes of Earl Butler, an engineer who had lived in the city about three decades, and his arc...
Colorado Man Charged with Felony in Vandalism of Historic Columbus Monument Elected to City Council; Italian American Community in Uproar
After the pandemic kept her separated from family for more than a year, Teresa finally made the trek from her home in Arizona to her birthplace, the southern Colorado city of Pueblo. Teresa was eager not only to be reunited with loved ones but to finally be able to see the plaque that her cousin had sponsored in memory of their grandparents on Pueb...
Former St Louis Police Sergeant Kristine Galati Joins St Louis - Bologna Sister Cities as Treasurer
The St Louis - Bologna Sister Cities organization is proud to announce a new member of our board, Sgt. Kristine Galati, a former sergeant of the City of St Louis Police Department. Sgt. Galati had served the police department for 30 years before she retired. Galati's family comes from Cinisi, a small village near Palermo, Sicily. Sgt. Galati grew u...
Sistine Chapel exhibition to feature a Taste of Italy in Omaha Saturday
"Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition", the internationally acclaimed touring exhibition, will host an intimate dining experience at The Capitol District, 1100 Capitol Ave., from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The night will feature live music, Italian food, wine. The chef-driven menu by Attitude on Food will include some of Italy’s most class...
Mickey Garagiola, famed wrestling announcer and waiter, served in Navy in WWII
Mickey Garagiola spent nearly his entire life on the historic Italian district of St. Louis known as "the Hill," playing baseball with his brother Joe and neighbor Yogi Berra, both of whom went on to become catchers in the major leagues. Although Mickey's fame would not come from professional baseball, he shared in a special bond with his friend an...
Opera Colorado Returns to the Stage with Puccini's TOSCA
Starting Saturday, November 6, Opera Colorado presents Tosca at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for four performances only. This lavish production of Puccini's operatic blockbuster is Opera Colorado's first performance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera house since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place in March 2020, causing all mainstage productions for...