Cultural CommitteeOur Cultural Committee plans and coordinates all cultural events and activities such as Opera nights, musical shows, film festivals, concerts and cultural exchanges. Cultural Committee Italian Family FestaOur popular annual Italian Family Festa, the oldest and largest event of its kind on the West Coast, food, costumes, art and photo exhibits, games and musical entertainment. ScholarshipsEach year, the IAHF awards scholarships to deserving students who wish to continue their education at the college or university of their choice. These scholarships are made possible through individual donations and proceeds from our Achievements Awards Dinner and other fund raising events. We are proud of the young generation and salute them for their vision to excel in their educational endeavors. Scholarships 
EventsOur Sunday family dinners and evening dinner dances frequently feature fine Italian cuisine and entertainment. Other events include an annual family barbecue, Art and Wine Festival, Opera performances, the monthly Wednesday special lunches, lectures and discussions on Italian topics of interest. LibraryThe Twila Venuti Memorial Library has many interesting and informative books pertaining to Italian history, art and culture. In addition, the recreational reading written in both Italian and English includes periodicals, newspapers, magazines and novels. Members are encouraged to spend time in the library and check out these books. Library Community ActivitiesThe IAHF participates in supporting many community events such as the local public television station KTEH fund raising efforts as well as traveling cultural exhibits and contributions of artifacts. The IAHF is a major contributor to Opera San Jose. Volunteers
| Italian Language ClassesThe IAHF provides Italian language classes for its members. Classes are given every Wednesday by Delia
Schizzano. Please email Delia for more details.
Beginning Italian
Level 1 Italian
Level 2 Italian
Level 3 Italian
Cost: $30 for 4 weeks for IAHF members Classes are held at the
IAHF Cultural Center.
Historic Photo CollectionThe IAHF historic pictorial gallery of photos of early and successful Italians in our valley represents the historic contributions made by Italian Americans to the economic, political and social development of Santa Clara County. Achievement Awards
In 1999 the Italian American Heritage Foundation conceived the idea of recognizing and honoring outstanding American achievers of Italian descent. The Board of Directors was enthusiastic about this idea and plans got underway. Due to the success of the event it was established as an annual Achievement Awards dinner. Achievement Awards
Festa della RepubblicaThe first week of June marks the Anniversary of the Italian Republic. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and the Italian American Heritage Foundation co-sponsor La Festa della Repubblica Italiana, a flag raising ceremony, at the County Government Building with the Italian Counsel General and many local dignitaries. A delicious lunch is served after the ceremony at the Italian Cultural Center.
OperaThe Italian American Cultural Committee presents one of their major activities twice during each year--Opera night! We are joined in these events by friends and guests throughout the Bay area. Opera night combines commitment, enthusiasm and love of our musical heritage to produce a wonderful evening of song, fine dining, strolling musicians, and many more artistic surprises. As a Heritage Foundation, we have played an important part in the life of the community, particularly in promoting the Italian language, arts and culture in this valley. This is a very special event we can all take pride in and truly enjoy for the wonderful musical tradition it has become.
Our Opera nights are in March - Benefit for Opera San Jose, and in October - World of Italian Opera. Two unforgettable evenings of "Musical Magic!" NewsletterThe IAHF publishes an interesting and informative bi-monthly newspaper for our members. Business and professional members are recognized each month and advertise their products and services. We encourage you to do business with our Heritage friends. If you would like to submit an article for consideration or are interested in advertising please email Nancy Morreale.
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Activities & Programs |
The IAHF prides itself on a cadre of dedicated volunteers that contribute their time to serve the organization in the office, at our events, on
our committees, in the maintenance of our facilities and on our Board of Directors. Without our contributing members, the IAHF could not have quality events and programs at reasonable costs. Our volunteer staff is the heart and pulse of our organization.
Opera
at the IAHF is a special ambiance and an event open to all. The
highlight of the evening is of course, hearing the resident artists of
Opera San Jose. One of our stellar IAHF members and founder and
Director of Opera San Jose is Ms. Irene Dalis, a Diva in her own right
from the Metropolitan Opera.