The Italian influence in America has become so ingrained in American culture, it’s mostly not acknowledged: what would America be without the Italian influence? Would the Declaration of Independence state “all men are created equal?”Would there be an FBI? What would Mt. Rushmore look like? Would we have whirlpool tubs? Would this country be called America? 

Thirty-One Days of Italians was founded to acknowledge people of Italian heritage who have significantly influenced the history and growth of America. In 2006, a directory of Italians and Italian Americans recognized for their significant achievements was compiled and Thirty-One Days of Italians was created.

The website features 75 people, and an annual List of 31 provides a person of Italian heritage to learn about and celebrate for each day in October, Italian American Heritage Month. 

Every year, the first day in October honors the Italian immigrant and the last day is set aside to honor a person of Italian heritage who is not on the List. Honorary Members on the List are permanent. In alphabetical order, they are Father Pietro Bandini, Constantino Brumidi, Mother Francis Cabrini, Enrico Caruso, Christopher Columbus, Enrico Fermi, Amadeo Pietro Giannini, Guglielmo Marconi, Filippo Mazzei, Antonio Meucci, Maria Montessori, Andrea Palladio, Antonio Pasin, Arturo Toscanini, and Amerigo Vespucci. 

Other names are rotated, giving everyone on Thirty-One Days of Italians a chance to have their day. The 2024 List includes (in alphabetical order): Father Michael Accolti, Joseph Barbera, Giacomo Costantino Beltrami, Charles J. Bonaparte, Giovanni da Verrazzano, Luigi Del Bianco, the Grucci Family, the Jacuzzi Family, Rocky Marciano, Dean Martin, Robert Mondavi, Amedeo Obici, Sabato Rodia, and Giovanni Schiavo. 

View the complete October calendar of dates and names for 2024 at Thirty-One Days of Italians. 

The short bios and resources provide study guides for home school, community, and club projects. Learn about all the incredible people of Italian heritage who significantly contributed their skills and knowledge to American history and culture – and to Italian American history and culture – at Thirty-One Days of Italians.