09/03/2026
A SPECIAL VISIT — AND A PIECE OF KITTANNING’S MUSICAL HISTORY
The Armstrong County Historical Society recently had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Colonna family, who visited the museum to see our collection of photographs, uniforms, musical memorabilia and other items preserving the remarkable legacy of Professor James V. Colonna.
James Vincenzo Colonna was a musician, composer, educator and bandmaster whose influence on music in Kittanning and throughout western Pennsylvania spanned decades. After coming to Kittanning in 1922, he organized an Italian Citizens Band and the Furnace Run Band. In 1923, he and Howard Turner formed the Mohawk Band, and Colonna later taught and organized numerous school and community bands throughout the region.
His connection to Kittanning became especially significant through his work with young musicians. In 1925, the Kittanning Boys’ Band was formed, and by 1927 girls had been added to create the Freeport Band. Colonna went on to serve for many years as a music educator and director in the Kittanning schools, helping generations of local students develop their musical talents.
One of his best-known compositions has an extraordinary place in American history.
On December 7, 1941 — the night of the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor — Colonna composed the patriotic march “America Forever.” The composition was subsequently performed by the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own,” during national radio broadcasts throughout World War II.
And its story did not end in Washington.
“America Forever” became part of the musical tradition here at home as well, performed through the years by our own Kittanning Firemen's Band — creating a wonderful connection between Colonna’s legacy, our local musicians and a composition written during one of the most consequential moments in American history.
The Historical Society is fortunate to preserve items connected to Professor Colonna and his family, including band uniforms and other memorabilia that help tell this important chapter of Armstrong County’s musical history.
We were especially pleased to have members of the Colonna family visit and spend time with this collection. Moments like these remind us that the objects preserved in a museum are much more than artifacts — they represent people, families, communities and stories that continue from one generation to the next.
Thank you to the Colonna family for visiting and for helping us continue to preserve and share the remarkable musical legacy of James V. Colonna.
