John D. Calandra Italian American Institute: Academic & Cultural Programs

Historic Preservation and the Italian American Presence in New York City

A symposium presented by

The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute

Queens College, CUNY

Saturday, May, 11, 2002

1:00PM - 5:30 PM.

The Baisley Powell Elebash Recital Hall

The Graduate Center, CUNY

365 Fifth Avenue (between 34th and 35th Streets)

Manhattan

Admission: Gratis

It has long been noted that Italian American labor and artistry have made invaluable contributions to the building of New York City, from the digging of the subway tunnels to the architectural sculpture of multi-stoned buildings.

In addition, scholars and casual observers alike have written about Italian Americans’ commitment to the idea of “the neighborhood” and the creation of a sense of place in the urban setting.

Those buildings and sites where Italian Americans have contributed to the city’s social fabric and “made history” are at times evident, at times

concealed.

This symposium addresses current thinking about and practical issues concerning the official recognition and presentation of buildings and sites particular to the Italian American community of New York City.

Learn about recent efforts at land marking and historic preservation, how you can contribute.

Program:

Kathleen Howe, Historic Preservation Specialist of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, discusses the process of nominating sites to the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, as well as her recent work on listing the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grotto in Staten Island and Lisanti Chapel in the Bronx.

Dr. Gerald Meyer, Hostos Community, will discuss his contribution to the "Discovering East Harlem," the East Harlem Historical Organization's walking tour map and his current work on the Calandra Institute "Historical Sites Project."

Marci Reaven, Managing Director of City Lore, will discuss the Place Matters project, a joint initiative with the Municipal Art Society, to promote and protect places of historic and cultural significance in New York City.

Dr. Joseph Sciorra, John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College, discusses his research on and nomination of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grotto in Staten Island and Lisanti Chapel in the Bronx to the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.