Contributions
& Cultural Influences
Almost four million
Italian immigrants came to America between 1880 and 1920. They were looking
for better jobs and a better life for their families and themselves. Many
Italian immigrants made their home in Manhattan.
Some of the Italian immigrants were great farmers. They contributed their knowledge about how to grow grapes and vegetables. In New York they planted vineyards and vegetable crops such as zucchini, broccoli, endive, and chicory. Today we are still farming and eating these crops.
Many also brought their skills with them. Some were masons, bricklayers and stonecutters. Their work can be seen in many of the buildings in New York.
The Lower East Side of Manhattan is called Little Italy. This is where many Italian immigrants settled. They lived in tenement apartments and shopped at stores that had Italian products such as Italian newspapers. The Italian storeowners and pushcart vendors sold vegetables, fish, dry goods and flavored ice cream.
We can still go visit Little Italy and enjoy eating at the many restaurants. During the month of September, the Feast of San Gennaro is celebrated on the streets of Little Italy. Also, the Italian opera was brought to America by the Italian people and is enjoyed by all Americans today.
Some
famous Italian immigrants who were great influences are Arturo Toscanini,
a conductor of the NY Philharmonic Orchestra, Lorenzo Da Ponte, who started
the first opera house in New York City, and Joe DiMaggio, a New York Yankees
baseball hero.
Images created by Paige and Becca
Images created by Paige and Becca