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American Italian Heritage Association Museum and Cultural Center

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  • VISIT US 1227 Central Ave Albany NY 12005

     
    Professor Cav. Philip J. DiNovo


    June 5,2026
    With profound sadness, the Board of Directors of the American Italian Heritage Museum and Cultural Center announces the passing of Professor Philip J. DiNovo.

    Professor DiNovo was the Founder and President of the American Italian Heritage Association and the American Italian Heritage Museum in Albany, New York. His vision, dedication, and lifelong commitment to preserving and celebrating Italian American heritage shaped our organization and enriched countless lives.

    A respected figure in America’s Italian community, Professor DiNovo was also knighted by the Italian Government—an honor that reflected both his cultural contributions and the esteem in which he was held on both sides of the Atlantic. His legacy will endure in the museum he built, the community he nurtured, and the history he worked tirelessly to preserve. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.

    Times Union Obituary



     

Professor Philip J. DiNovo was the Founder and President of the esteemed American Italian Heritage Association and the American Italian Heritage Museum in Albany, New York. He has also been knighted by the Italian Government and is a respected figure in America’s Italian community Degrees: AAS, BS, MBA

Professor DiNovo taught at Morrisville College (SUNY) for 32 years and was the founder of the Business Administration Department. Students choose him twice as Professor of the Year.

The Professor founded the American Italian Heritage Association in 1979 and the American Italian Heritage Museum in 1985. He had served as President since 1979 and the Executive Director of our Museum since 1985. Originally based in Utica, NY, the association was established on June 12, 1979.

The organization was formed with the expressed purpose of recording and preserving Italian heritage.

Our History

  • Due to the persistence and dedication of Professor DiNovo, the first American Italian museum was located in Utica for 13 years from 1985 to 1998.When Phil retired from teaching, the artifacts he collected were moved with him to Albany. After an 11-year hiatus, where the artifacts were put into storage, the museum began a rebirth and took root at its current spot on Central Avenue in the town of Colonie, a suburb of Albany.

    Purchased in 2004, it took five years to restore the first floor of the building, which was opened as the museum on October 4, 2009. The site for the 4,000 square-foot museum is a former Catholic church, Our Lady of Mercy, which was built by Italian immigrant laborers in 1922.