About OSDIA
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® is a national organization of men and women representing the estimated 17 million Americans of Italian heritage, dedicated to promoting our culture, traditions, language, the legacy of our ancestors, and our contributions to the U.S. and the world.
Our Community
At OSDIA, we are sons and daughters, grandmothers and grandfathers. We are corporate leaders and union workers, young students and retirees, teachers and attorneys, doctors and firefighters, bakers and Wall Street brokers — and everything in between. We are philanthropists and global citizens driven by a purpose greater than ourselves.
Above all, we are proud and patriotic Americans of Italian heritage, exemplifying the very best of what it is to be Italian American.
Our History
Our story is one of dedication, community, and cultural pride. Since its founding in 1905, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® has grown from a small mutual aid society, to a nationwide organization committed to preserving Italian heritage, supporting education, and fostering unity among Italian Americans. The following milestones highlight key moments that have shaped our proud legacy and ongoing mission.
1905
Founding of the Order Sons of Italy in America
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). Originally called Ordine Figli d’Italia, OSDIA began as a mutual aid society, which is a community-based organization where members support one another through shared resources and collective responsibility. From the start, the organization provided essential services like citizenship assistance, health benefits, and education, laying the foundation for a strong, supportive community.
1959
Establishment of the Sons of Italy Foundation
OSDIA expanded its philanthropic reach by creating the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), a dedicated charitable organization, that supports scholarships, medical research, cultural preservation, disaster relief, and more. Since then, the Foundation has given tens of millions to charitable causes, impacting Italian American education and community support.
1979
Establishment of the Commission for Social Justice
OSDIA established the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) as its anti-defamation and positive image arm to combat the stereotyping of Italian Americans in the entertainment, advertising, and media industries. Since its founding, CSJ has led campaigns at both the community and national levels to address cultural and social issues important to Italian Americans, while also collaborating with other organizations to promote dignity, respect, and fair treatment for people of all races, religions, and cultures.
2016
Name Change to Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America
Reflecting its inclusive membership and leadership, the organization officially changed its name to the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America®. This milestone honored the equal role women have played throughout OSDIA’s history and emphasized the organization’s commitment to welcoming members of all backgrounds who share a love for Italian heritage.
Present
Continuing a Proud Legacy
Today, OSDIA stands as the largest and oldest national organization for Italian heritage in the United States, with thousands of members across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Committed to preserving Italian culture, language, and traditions, OSDIA actively promotes education, advocacy, and community engagement, and welcomes all who appreciate Italian heritage. Its philanthropic efforts, led by the Sons of Italy Foundation and the Commission for Social Justice, continue to empower and uplift Italian Americans nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Send us a message
If you have any questions about our organization or want to learn how to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to assist and looks forward to hearing from you soon.