This image is the cover for the book Long Island Italian Americans, American Heritage

Long Island Italian Americans, American Heritage

For Italian immigrants and their descendants, moving from "the city" to Long Island was more than a change of address.


Even though the move wasn't far geographically, the societal move was large--it signaled that the family had achieved the American Dream, and in turn, elements of Italian values and culture are visible all over the island. Italians helped to build Long Island, whether as laborers or as contractors, such as the Castagnas. They brought their culinary traditions and opened markets, such as the still family-owned Iavarone Brothers Foods and restaurants, including New Hyde Park's Umberto's. Italians' industrialism helped them thrive in fields as diverse as medicine, politics, theater, and winemaking (including the nationally recognized Banfi label). Join author Salvatore J. LaGumina to discover the remarkable contributions and vibrant culture of Italians and Italian-Americans on Long Island.

Salvatore J. LaGumina

Dr. Salvatore J. LaGumina was a professor and director of the Ethnic Heritage Program at Wesleyan University. He has served as president of the American Italian Historical Association and is a prolific scholarly author. He was the founding president and is a board member of the Long Island chapter of the American Italian Historical Association.

The History Press