Marianna Gatto: Italian American Stories: L.A. to SF Bay
By American-Italian Federation of the Southeast
Monday, September 29, 2025
6:00PM - 8:00PM
585 Glenwood Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025
Join the American-Italian Federation of the Southeast for an evening of lively discussion as we explore the Italian American experience in Los Angeles, drawing comparisons to that of the Bay Area. We’ll dive into the history and heritage that define the regions. Copies of Gatto’s book will be available for purchase.
About Marianna
Since 2010, Marianna Gatto has served as the executive director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, an institution that she also co-founded. Gatto’s roles span from development and advocacy to education; she authored and curates the museum’s award-winning permanent exhibition as well as its temporary exhibitions. A previously published author, Gatto has appeared in various documentaries, consulted for major networks, and is a frequent guest speaker. Gatto holds degrees in social science (B.A.), and education-history (M.A.). In 2021 the Italian Republic awarded her the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy).
Event Details
Monday, September 29, 2025
6:00PM - 8:00PM
585 Glenwood Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025
Price: $25
The Book: Italian Americans of Los Angeles: A History
This vibrant narrative chronicles the Italian Americans of Los Angeles, a group that, although integral to every facet of the Southern California megalopolis for two centuries, have largely been overlooked in both local and Italian American histories. This multidisciplinary study is the first extended account of Italian Americans in the City of Angels. Artists and agriculturalists, dreamers and outlaws, pioneers and powerbrokers come alive in this sweeping work and provide important points of comparison for understanding the American mosaic. Over one hundred images, including many never before published, help illustrate this impressive multilayered history.