Mr. Scelsa would appreciate if everyone who cares, would bring project 
to the attention of any person or organization that is able to make a 
contribution, make this a fund raising project, or establish Local Museum 
Chapters for this world class $200,000,000 Museum.
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ITALIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Chairman, Joseph J. Grano, Jr.
President, Joseph V. Scelsa, Ed.D

On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce a
major positive event during these trying times. On June 12, 2001, the
New York State Board of Regents granted our request to charter the
Italian American Museum

The inspiration for our new Museum was the extraordinarily successful
exhibition entitled "The Italians of New York: Five Centuries of Struggle
and Achievement"; recently hosted by the New York Historical Society.

The overwhelming, success of that temporary exhibition encouraged us
to establish a permanent Museum showcasing the impact of Italian
Americans on the cultural fabric of America.

The Italian American Museum will explore the rich heritage of Italy and
Italian America by presenting the struggles and achievements of Italians
and their heirs to the American way of life. We will collect and preserve
tangible objects and memorabilia, and display notable contributions of
Italians and Italian Americans to the American experience.

We will also promote "constructive pluralism" by educating Americans
to the culture of Italian Americans and their European values and
traditions.

We will do this by sponsoring exhibitions, festivals, lectures, and travel
programs with a focus on Italy and its contributions to the world.

Temporarily housed in the Manhattan facilities of the John D. Calandra
Italian American Institute, the Italian American Museum's Trustees are
aggressively seeking to acquire a permanent building to exhibit proudly
our heritage for all to see.

To this end, we ask your help by including us as part of your annual
gift giving in support of our worthwhile not-for-profit organization.

Our 501 (c)(3) application has been applied for, and we anticipate IRS
approval, making your contribution tax deductible to the maximum
extent allowed.

Many of you have asked "Quando apre il museo?" ("When does the
museum open?"). It will be up to us all to make this dream a reality.

In keeping with the solicitations from other charities in response to the
tragedy of September 11, please remember that a disproportionate share 
of those whose lives were taken by this calamitous event were Americans 
of Italian descent. What better way to honor their memories than by your
contribution helping to establish the Italian American Museum?

We appreciate your support in building the Italian American Museum,
and we look forward to greeting you when our doors open in the near future.

Sincerely,
Joseph V. Scelsa, Ed.D President

in transitional residence at John D. Calandra Italian American Institute,
Queens College / The City University of New York 25 West 43rd Street
17th Floor NY, NY 10036-7406 212.642.2020 (fax: 212.642.2069)

The Museum of Italian Culture, P.O. Box 7545, Garden City, NY 11530
Info@ltalianAmericanMuseum.org