Researching and trying to find the most accurate definition that would answer the question posed in my article title, I found some differences and commonalities. However, in my humble and novice (and slightly biased) opinion, I feel all the noted words can be used interchangeably to describe the “To Honor the Immigrants” bronze sculpture displayed in downtown Columbus.
The Christopher Columbus statue that once stood for 65 years in front of Columbus City Hall was removed in 2020. Not far away stands this piece of artwork and it truly is a monument, a statue, and a memorial of Italian immigrants in a public space for all to see. The Italian immigrants (I will refer within as a monument) monument depicts an immigrant couple; the mother holding her baby, the father embracing his family with their worldly possessions nearby.
No doubt, those of us who share in the Italian American experience can relate this to our ancestors who braved a journey and sacrificed for a better life in America. For me and so many others, this monument holds unique historical significance. This monument depicts those Italian immigrants who came during the Great Arrival to America, where, at that time, the only way to cross the Atlantic was a steamship.
The monument is situated very close to Columbus’ city hall in Battelle Riverfront Park adjacent to the Scioto River. It was a gift to the city of Columbus from various local Italian American donors and Italian American clubs and organizations. As noted in public documents, $70,000 were raised for the project. The monument was dedicated in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ landing. Recently, I visited and spoke with long-time local Columbus resident Ms. Mary Lou Casanta who, over 30 years ago, was instrumental as the committee chair to coordinate all the activities associated with having the monument installed. It was a commissioned work, sculpted by Gary Ross who was a long-time professor of fine arts at Capital University and is well-known for other local works of art.
The Ohio Outdoor Sculpture organization, which represents a survey of all the outdoor public sculptures in Ohio, has the “To Honor the Immigrants” monument listed on their website under Franklin County of Ohio. Additionally, the Smithsonian American Art Museum Art Inventories Catalog lists this monument as part of their database listing on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
For me and likely so many other Italian Americans, being in the presence of this monument displayed in such a public space, can make one reflect on how our Italian immigrant ancestors arriving at Ellis Island, or any other American port of entry, was either a joyous or uncertain occasion. So, next time you are visiting Columbus, visit the monument to reminisce about your own Italian immigrant ancestors who could be the ones standing on that pedestal.
Richard Leto was born and raised in the Italian enclave of South Philadelphia (South Philly) but currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. He is the grandson of Italian immigrants who emigrated to America during the Great Arrival and settled in Philadelphia. On his paternal side his grandparents Francesco and Caterina (Tropiano) Leto emigrated from Santa Caterina dello Ionio (Calabria). On his maternal side his grandparents Aniello and Elisa (Basile) Lucera emigrated from Comune di Biccari (Puglia).
