Professor Philip J. DiNovo is 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
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
March 2026
Bitter cold, blistering snowstorms, icy roads are certainly not for the faint of heart. And then relief as the days begin to grow longer when spring arrives and new life begins, ushering in boundless possibilities. Thankfully, a number of our members start to return home from the southern states. We plan for and welcome the active season filled with hope and anticipation. We have the chance to create new opportunities, programs and events. Our goal is to be vibrant.
Easter, the most important day on the Christian calendar, falls on Sunday, April 5th this year. For many, Lent and Easter are solemn occasions, deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic traditions. There are many unique holiday traditions in Italy. You will find some of them within the pages of this newsletter. It is a religious celebration as well as a special day on which the family gathers together around the table for a delicious Easter dinner. One very important way to keep alive our Italian heritage and culture is to practice our traditions.
Perhaps some of you might not be aware that we hold our Annual Italian Easter Bake Sale each year on Holy Saturday right here at the museum. It is an easy way to serve traditional Italian pastries at your Easter dinner. The Bake Sale will take place on Saturday, April 4th from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. All Bella Napoli items plus a few others must be pre-ordered, but we will also have assorted home-baked goods available for purchase that day. A pre-order form is included in this newsletter.
We have some members who have expressed a willingness to make “Thinking of you” telephone calls to anyone interested. This is our way of letting you know that we care by keeping in touch. Please contact us if you would like to be called by one of our volunteers.
Following is some not-so-great news regarding our popular Thrift Shop. A water pipe failed and caused the ceiling to drop, along with other serious damage to the first floor. We’re not yet sure how much money the insurance company will give to us, but it is likely that we will have to pay some of the repair cost. The Thrift Shop itself is closed until renovations are complete. However, we are grateful that our Bridal Boutique located on the second floor remains active and open for business.
Now, it is with a very heavy heart that I feel compelled to inform you that my last surviving sister, Ann, passed away in January. Sadly, I have lost eight members of my family in just the past few years. All of these recent happenings cause me to reflect about life even more than ever, but I am still full of hope. I have such fond memories of past times and my heart swells with gratitude for the memories of family, friends and our many successes. I think about all of you who have been there through our rough years, sharing many of those experiences with me. Our mission is precious; we can’t and shouldn’t take what we have for granted. Amid all our trials and tribulations, we have made it so far. Each day is a blessing and your support is sincerely appreciated.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the presidents of Italian American organizations in this area will be coming to our museum to attend an important meeting. The agenda is to find ways to make each organization stronger and to keep our Italian American community engaged and vibrant. We look forward to a productive and successful outcome.
On behalf of myself and the entire Board you are wished a wonderful and blessed Buona Pasqua!
Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo
In honor of the Italian immigrants who came to the United States of America, we are committed to record and preserve the contributions of our Italian Heritage and culture to our society through our newsletter, cultural programs, activities, exhibits, and outreach programs.