Celebrating Italian-American Heritage Month in Medford

Italy’s famous leaning Tower of Pisa.

– Allison Goldsberry

October is officially set aside as a celebration of all things Italian and the many contributions Italians and Italian-Americans have made to Massachusetts communities, Medford included.

Governor Deval Patrick will kick off Italian-American Heritage Month this morning at a 10:30AM ceremony at the State House with Dr. Liborio Stellino, Consul General of Italy.

Celebrate Medford’s Italian-American heritage at the Medford Public Library this month:

> Check out a collection displaying the scenes, art, history, and food of Italy, loaned by Sandy DiRenzo.

> Hear Steve Pulio, author of The Boston Italians: a Story of Pride, Perseverance, and Paesani, speak about the history of Boston’s Italian community on Thursday, October 11 at 7PM.

> Find out how South Medford, Medford’s historic Italian neighborhood, transformed from farmland to a horse-racing hub with local historian Dee Moris on Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30PM.

> Join Medford resident Francesco Castellano as he delves into Italian composer Guiseppi Verde’s music and the role it played in Italy’s 19th century Unification movement on Monday, October 22, at 7PM.

If all that history and culture makes you hungry, there’s no shortage of excellent places in Medford for Italian fare- Bob’s Deli, La Bella’s Fine Foods, Il Sogno Salumeria, and Nappi Meats and Groceries for fine meats and cheeses and made-to-order food; La Cascia’s Bakery, Arthur’s Bakery, Modern Pastry, and Italo’s Bakery for fresh bread and pastries; Caffe Toscana and Caffe Baccini for espresso and cappuccino; and Bocelli’s Ristorante, Raso’s Grille and Pizzeria, Il Faro, and Bistro 5 for dinner.

With so many choices for delicious Italian food, why not try to hit up each one this month?