Italian-Americans may appear to be losing the “Columbus war,” as a slow but steady stream of cities and states opt to bow to pressure from a small but vociferous group of activists who seek to impose a negative view of the great navigator, and reduce his historical significance to that of a destroyer of indigenous peoples and their cultures.

Yet a pair of exhibits in two venerable libraries in Dutchess County, New York mounted to commemorate Italian Heritage Month this October have demonstrated that when there are real achievements to celebrate, excellence cannot be hidden away, and it will draw an enthusiastic audience.