When Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio visited the museum at the original Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa in Des Moines five years ago, he was impressed. Housed in a mural-bedecked former bakery on Indianola Avenue, the museum told the story of Italians who migrated to Iowa to work in coal mines or on railroads, then set down deep roots in Des Moines, where their descendants have included prominent business, civic and cultural leaders.

"Italians don't know where Iowa is," said Paolo Bartesaghi, the nonprofit's president and a native of Italy. Varricchio was amazed at the extent and impact of the community's history. The impression the museum left on him motivated the group to think about expanding its footprint. It's taking a big step toward achieving that goal on July 10 when it will break ground on a $20 million renovation of a landmark Fleur Drive mansion that is its new home.