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Nat DiBuduo, chairman of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit committee, speaks at the opening Saturday. Photo contributed

published on May 2, 2022 - 12:06 PM
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The Fresno County Historical Museum celebrated the completion of Phase I of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit on Saturday.

More than 150 people attended the event held at the Fresno Fairgrounds celebrating the opening of one of the most comprehensive exhibits in the Western United States, according to a news release. The museum is already in the planning stages for continued expansion.

“There were so many people here today who were so enthusiastic about this exhibit, it made me feel good that our Foundation was able to participate in the reason they were here,” said Peter Tocchini, director of the Fresno-based Isnardi Foundation. “The Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit is beautifully done and reflects the hard work that a lot of people put into it.”

Grants for the project were provided by the Isnardi Foundation and E&J Gallo Winery, with community donations also assisting in the project. 

Speakers at the event included Tocchini; Italian Consul General in San Francisco Sergio Strozzi; Fresno State Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Honora Chapman as well as other local dignitaries, committee members and contributors.

“We are extremely thankful for the support of all those involved in making this exhibit come to life,” said Nat DiBuduo, chairman of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit committee. “What started as a vision in the Spring of 2019 has evolved into a historic and beautiful exhibit.”

The exhibit features Italian artifacts and wine bottles from Fresno County wineries, replica Tuscan architecture and a ceiling depiction of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Interactive touch display screens showcase photography, videos and other historical information from categories including communities and settlements, agriculture, business and more. 

The exhibit also features a map of Fresno’s “Little Italy” in 1931, including locations where original Italian families settled. 

The Road of Dreams mural documents Italian families’ arrival in Fresno County and also commemorates key historical milestones throughout the years.

“This exhibit showcases our family’s Italian heritage, culture, language, traditions, and what makes us who we are today as a community,” said Michael Giovannetti, vice chairman of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit Committee. “It was important for us to build an exhibit that shares the stories of Italian families in Fresno County — famous or not — to ensure they were not forgotten.”

Phase II of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit is already underway. Fundraising for the exhibit’s expansion includes a “Leave a Legacy Donor Program,” allowing individuals to purchase bricks to be displayed on the Wall of Donors outside the museum.

The Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit is open for tours by visiting www.fresnofair.com/museum.


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