Suozzi Seeks To Create An Italian American Museum in Washington

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tom Suozzi wants to give back to his heritage. The first-generation Italian-American has introduced the bipartisan National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act.

The legislation would start a planning commission to examine the possibility of creating a Smithsonian Museum of Italian American History on the Washington Mall.

The commission would be comprised of experts in museum planning and the immigrant experience in America. The bill would examine the feasibility of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating a facility dedicated to the Italian American legacy as part of the Smithsonian Institution.

"My father was born in Ruvo del Monte, Italy, and immigrated to the United States as a child," Suozzi said. "Here, he served as a B-24 navigator in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He came home from the war and attended Harvard Law School on the G.I. bill. At 28 years old, he was elected City Court Judge in our hometown of Glen Cove, the youngest judge in the history of New York State. He went on to live an American success story. His story, and the story of so many other Italian Americans of his generation, embodies the American dream and fulfills the very promise of this country. These stories deserve a platform to be told."

Suozzi co-leads this bipartisan legislation alongside Congressman Michael Rulli (R-OH), a fellow Italian American and Co-Chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation.