There was a time when Italian Americans lived throughout the melting pot that is New York City. They were concentrated in neighborhoods like Little Italy in Manhattan and Bensonhurst in Brooklyn. As a Bensonhurstian whose parents are from Italy, I was curious about how the Italian American Museum is faring at their new address. In late 2024 they moved to a new development where they have 6,500 square feet on four floors. Currently, there are two exhibits on display.
The Andrea Doria exhibit is about a ship that sank off the coast of Nantucket in 1956 after colliding with a smaller vessel. It was en route from Genoa to Manhattan on its 101st voyage. At this time Italy was making a miraculous recovery from the ravages of World War II. Named after a renowned Genoese admiral, the luxury cruise liner was the pride of Italy. Coincidentally, in that year my mother's family emigrated to the United States in "steerage" via a TWA flight to JFK.
"Into every detail of this lovely vessel have gone the skill and pride of the greatest artisans of Italy. Every mural, every tapestry, every rug and chair . . . each exquisite bit of glassware and every glowing tile is the work of craftsmen. Yes, a ship is built of many hearts. This is the tradition of Italy. This is the Andrea Doria."
In 1970, Joe Bianco made a failed effort to salvage the wreck with the Quester I, his yellow submarine, now submerged at the mouth of Coney Island Creek. I was surprised to learn that there were later successful salvage operations undertaken by Moyer Expeditions LLC at a depth of 75 meters where the ship rests now. The exhibit features relics, photos and other material.
The puppet theater exhibit features the distinctive Sicilian puppets that are popular souvenirs on the island today. You might even see one on display in a few Italian restaurants and cafes here in NYC. For generations the Matteo family built these characteristically Sicilian marionettes and performed in Little Italy during much of the 20th century. The whole troop of these sturdy century old puppets are on display.
The Matteo family's performances were part of a tradition that dates back to 19th century Sicily. I fooled myself into believing that the video of the family and their puppets at their Mulberry Street home was shot in a flat in 1970s Palermo. The plays were inspired by Carolingian and other Renaissance tales featuring Charlemagne's Twelve Peers. These passionate paladins exemplified chivalric ideals. Chief among them is Orlando Furioso whose mad love of Angelica, Princess of Cathay, brings him into conflict with many other colorful characters.
I have high hopes for the Italian American Museum and will be watching for news of new exhibits, lectures, screenings and other developments.