On Saturday, August 27, 2022, nearly 40 guests attended a reception at the Italian American Museum of Cleveland in Little Italy to meet and greet Hon. Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald, a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. With Italy’s election just a few weeks after, this visit was important for Nissoli Fitzgerald to make connections with Italian citizens living in Northeast Ohio who would be sending in their ballots. Additionally, her visit was the first time an Italian dignitary in her position visited Cleveland.

The short program began with a welcome from Pamela Dorazio Dean, Director of the Italian American Museum of Cleveland (IAMCLE). Basil M. Russo, National President of the Italian Sons & Daughters of American and President of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, also welcomed guests and Nissoli Fitzgerald to the museum and to Cleveland. Russo spoke about the many ways Nissoli Fitzgerald has been a great voice for Italian citizens living abroad. He also mentioned that she has been a strong ally in the fight for Christopher Columbus and Columbus Day.

The guest of honor, Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald, then addressed the group. She said she was delighted to be in Cleveland and particularly to have the opportunity to visit IAMCLE which she called, “a special place in Little Italy that remarks the presence and influence of Italians” and builds “a link between the old and future generations.” She also expressed appreciation for the “resilient defense of our shared Italian culture being proud of Christopher Columbus.” Nissoli Fitzgerald mentioned that the Italian Parliament approved a motion she brought forth to preserve, protect, and promote Columbus.

In closing, Nissoli Fitzgerald promised to continue to strengthen the relationship between Italy and the U.S. and Italian citizens living in Northeast Ohio. She said she would never waiver in her defense of the Italian cultural heritage and that she will work to improve consular services and the efficiency of the pension system abroad. 

IAMCLE wishes to thank Gianfranco Gentile with Forza Italia for helping to organize Hon. Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald’s visit to Cleveland.