Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series
Italians have a long history in Texas. While many Italian-Americans migrated to Texas during the 20th century because of the booming job market, the earliest Italians were in the state during the years of Spanish exploration.
These early Italian explorers arrived in Texas with Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1541. Along with Coronado, they trekked across the High Plains, but did not settle in the state.
The first known Italian settlers came to Texas in the late 1700s as merchants. Vincente Micheli was among those. He came from Brescia, a city in Northern Italy, and settled in Nacogdoches, in East Texas. Other Italians settled in Texas and worked as farmers, miners, brick makers and railroad workers. Frank Qualia emigrated from northern Italy to Del Rio and established Texas’s first winery in 1883.
Regardless of why Italian immigrants moved to Texas, they brought with them their strong cultural identity which has been defined by traditions of food, faith and family
Handbook of Texas
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ItaliansThis article gives a glimpse of how Italians settled in Texas and what contributions they gave to the state.
Selected Books
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The DePasquales: From Italy-Sicily to Texas byCall Number: F385 .B68 1986 (ITC Library)
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Houstonians of Italian Descent: Their Culture and Heritage byCall Number: SCL Rare Books, Folio Stacks F394.I8 H68
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The Italian Experience in Texas byCall Number: F395 .I8 B45 1983 (ITC Library)
Organizations
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Italian Club of DallasWhile celebrating over food has always been a highlight of the Italian Club's activities, appreciation of Italian culture is an important component of the Club's mission. From the early years when the Dallas Museum of Art hosted ICD Member Nights for "The Pompeiians and The Sassanians ~ the Last Dynasty of Persia" to present day lectures and tours, the Club entertains and educates both its Members and the general public on Italian music, history, and culture. Meanwhile, the Book Club explores a broad range of literary styles, from classical to contemporary, fiction to biography; but all with a focus on the Italian experience.
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Italian Cultural & Community Center-HoustonThe Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC) actively serves:
Italians who have relocated to Houston
Americans of Italian descent
Italophiles, those who are interested in Italy and its culture -
Italian Cultural Association of Greater AustinThe Italian Cultural Association of Greater Austin ("ICA") has been quietly serving the preservation of Italian culture. Ten members initially formed the ICA in 1984. This non-profit association's focus is to open membership to anyone interested in Italian culture.
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La Famiglia di Southeast TexasOriginally called “Figli d’Italia,” the Order Sons of Italy in America® was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City. This lodge is headquartered in Beaumont. Their aim is 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.
Festivals
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Houston Italian FestivalHeld annually in October, Festa Italiana is coordinated by the Italian Cultural and Community Center. The Festa is the main fundraising event of the year that supports the Federation’s mission to promote the Italian culture and heritage, to sponsor social events and activities, and to perform works of charity.