NJ Italian Heritage Commission

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 September 11, Never Forget 🇺🇸

🙏 Today we honor and remember the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the families forever changed on this day.🕯️

09/09/2026

🇮🇹🇺🇸 The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission was pleased to attend the Rutgers Italian Department Welcome Back Luncheon and celebrate the start of a new academic year.

NJIHC is proud to support Rutgers University Department of Italian’s work and our shared mission of advancing Italian language, culture, history, and heritage through education and collaboration.

We look forward to continuing this important partnership and creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and the community.

Learn more: https://www.njitalianheritage.org

09/09/2026

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Gilda Rorro and Dr. Mary Rorro on their fantastic interview on The Italian American Podcast 🎙️ 🇮🇹🇺🇸 Tune in to learn more about NJIHC’s K-12 Italian Heritage Curriculum.

Hey there Paesani! Episode 432 is now up on all platforms! In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts Pat and Marianna sit down in the heart of Little Italy with Cav. Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari and Dr. Mary Rorro, a remarkable mother-daughter duo whose work has advanced Italian American culture, education, and heritage.

Click the link in bio to watch and listen!❤️

Marianna Gatto
Patrick O'Boyle

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day from the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission! 🇺🇸🇮🇹

Today, we honor the generations of workers whose dedication, skill, and perseverance helped build our communities and our nation, including the countless Italian and Italian American immigrants whose hard work became an important part of the American story.

As we celebrate Labor Day, we recognize their contributions and the enduring values of hard work, opportunity, family, and community.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Labor Day! 🇺🇸🇮🇹

09/02/2026

NJIHC Chairman Vincent Maione recently presented to the Lake Ridge Italian Culture Club in Toms River, NJ - highlighting the Commission’s K–12 Italian and Italian American heritage curriculum and overall mission.

Thank you to the community for the warm welcome and for supporting our work to preserve and promote Italian heritage through education.

09/01/2026

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission, the Foundation for Innovation and Excellence and in Italian Teaching (FIEIT) and UNICO National Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Italian Language and Cultural Education

Learn more: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/the-new-jersey-italian-heritage-commission-the-foundation-for-innovation-and-excellence-and-in-italian-teaching-fieit-and-unico-national-announce-strategic-partnership-to-advance-italian-language-a/

08/27/2026

- New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission to Showcase Comprehensive K–12 Italian Heritage Curriculum at 2026 NJEA Convention!

📚🍎 Educators invited to visit NJIHC at Booth #1485 on November 5–6 at the Atlantic City Convention Center

Learn more: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/new-jersey-italian-heritage-commission-to-showcase-comprehensive-k-12-italian-heritage-curriculum-at-2026-njea-convention/

08/22/2026

🇮🇹 You’re Invited! 🇺🇸

Join the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission for our Annual Congress on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Rutgers University College Avenue Student Center.

This year’s theme—“Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence: The Italian Influence & Legacy”—will highlight the profound contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to the founding and development of the United States.

The morning will bring together distinguished leaders from government, education, and cultural institutions for meaningful dialogue, educational presentations, and special recognition of the Commission’s anniversary and continued commitment to education and cultural preservation.

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
📍 Rutgers University College Avenue Student Center
🎟️ Register today: https://bit.ly/4wnBJX1
🚗 Parking registration: https://parkingbase.com/c/rutgers/d/3676664?eventId=a4513ec4-1b74-4acc-9804-20aca5136b10

We hope you will join us for this important celebration of history, heritage, education, and legacy!

08/20/2026

📚🇮🇹 Bring Italian Heritage Education to Your School District!

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) is available to present to school districts, educators, administrators, and community organizations about the New Jersey Italian Heritage Curriculum and the educational resources available to support K–12 learning.

Our presentations highlight the rich history, culture, and lasting contributions of Italians and Italian Americans while providing educators with standards-aligned curriculum, lesson plans, and classroom resources designed to foster inclusive, factual, and engaging instruction.

Whether you’re planning a professional development session, faculty meeting, curriculum discussion, or community education program, we’d love to connect with you.

To schedule a presentation or learn more, please contact:

Margaret Fontana
Executive Director
New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission
[email protected]

Together, we can help inspire the next generation through education, history, and cultural understanding.

08/17/2026

Happy ! 🇺🇸 🇮🇹

Today, we celebrate the important role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening our communities and creating lasting impact.

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission is proud to advance educational outreach throughout the State of New Jersey by providing educators, students, and communities with resources and programs that preserve, promote, and teach Italian and Italian American history, heritage, and contributions.

Your support helps us expand our educational programs, reach more schools and educators, develop new resources, and ensure that this important history continues to be shared with future generations.

Support NJIHC’s educational outreach programs by making a donation today.

Every contribution helps us continue our mission across New Jersey.

🇮🇹 Donate. Educate. Preserve. Inspire.

https://www.njitalianheritage.org/charitable-donation/

🌟Our mission is only possible because of those who believe in preserving history through education. 🇮🇹📚

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission is dedicated to promoting and preserving Italian and Italian American heritage through innovative educational programs, curriculum development, teacher resources, student initiatives, and cultural outreach across New Jersey.

Your support directly helps us expand educational opportunities, develop new resources, and ensure future generations understand the lasting contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to our state’s and nation’s history.

Every contribution—large or small—helps us continue this important work.

❤️ Help preserve our heritage. Invest in education. Inspire the next generation.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. Together, we can ensure this legacy lives on.

🔗 Donate today by visiting the link below or contacting us to learn how you can support the Commission.

https://www.njitalianheritage.org/charitable-donation/