IowaWINS to host festival honoring Italian-Americans

MT. PLEASANT - On Jan. 24, beginning at 5 p.m., IowaWINS, in conjunction with the Welcome Home Center, will hold a feast honoring Italian-American heritage. Its office at the Belle Center in Mt. Pleasant will be decorated in tribute to that nation’s rich history, offering food for guests and food for thought, as it reflects on over two hundred years of Italian contribution to the United States of America.

The purpose of IowaWINS, in their own words, “...is to establish a connection between immigrant families and other Mount Pleasant and Southeast Iowa neighbors.” Their stated goals include supporting “...the self-development of people in the immigrant community through connecting groups seeking to take initiative with resources”, and to “build inclusive hospitable relationships, providing educational, cultural, and service opportunities for all members of the community.”

This cultural is one of many, part of a broader effort to shed light on the role the myriad of cultures played in developing the national character of the country.

Before the founding of this country, Italian explorers and cartographers such as Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci mapped the New World, in service of the Empires of Europe. Italian immigrants helped build the transcontinental railroads, and erected great buildings of the Gilded Age, many of which still stand today. Their arts have influenced the culture of this country, from Greco-Roman influences in architecture to music and food.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com