You know the names of history’s past: Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Lorenzo de Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. You may not know names from more recent times: Mother Cabrini, Enrico Fermi, Lee Iacocca, Antonin Scalia.

Whether it was the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, or the 20th century, Italians and Italian Americans have made monumental benevolent impacts in all areas of human civilization. It is because of this that October is recognized as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month.