05/06/2026
The IAMLA was honored to welcome a distinguished guest: H.E. Mario Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, who visited the museum as part of his official trip to California.
Ambassador Peronaci was joined by representatives of the Italian diplomatic and cultural community, including Consul General of Italy Raffaella Valentini; Consul Lorenza Errighi; Director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Los Angeles Emanuele Amendola; as well as Deputy Los Angeles Mayor Jacqueline Hamilton and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Assistant General Manager Darrell Alatorre.
Guided by IAMLA Director and Co-Founder Marianna Gatto, the delegation toured the museum’s award-winning permanent exhibition along with its original temporary exhibition, Creative Minds: Italian American Inventors and Innovators. The group also visited several sites at El Pueblo—the birthplace of the city of Los Angeles—which hold deep historical significance for the Italian American community.
It was at El Pueblo that the city’s first Italian, Giovanni Leandri, settled in 1827. The Plaza area and Olvera Street—originally known as Calle Vino—were once home to a vibrant Italian American community.
The IAMLA appreciates Ambassador Peronaci’s visit, which highlighted the enduring cultural and historical ties between Italy and Los Angeles and the importance of preserving and sharing the Italian American story while strengthening connections through heritage, education, and community engagement.
