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History
Originally
called "L'Ordine Figli d'Italia," the Order Sons
of Italy in America was established in the Little Italy
neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo
Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came
to the United States during the great Italian migration
(1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system
for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with
becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits
and educational opportunities and offer assistance with
assimilation in America.
Highlights in OSIA's history:
- In
its early years, OSIA established free schools to
teach immigrants English and centers to help them
become U.S. citizens.
- The
first OSIA lodges established orphanages and homes
for the elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds,
credit unions, welfare societies and scholarship funds
to aid members in need.
- During
World Wars I and II, OSIA members bought war bonds
and war stamps to support the war effort, and lodges
competed with each other to contribute the most money
to the Red Cross.
- In
World War II, the OSIA Supreme Council (national officers)
issued a resolution urging members to donate one day's
salary to the national defense.
- To
date, OSIA members have given more than $93 million
to educational programs, disaster relief, cultural
advancement and medical research.
Today
OSIA:
Organization
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