Welcome to
New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission

Our Mission

To build and strengthen the cultural identity of Italians and Italian Americans through public educational programs that preserve and promote an accurate, bias-free and non-stereotyped understanding and awareness of historical and current contributions and accomplishments of people of Italian heritage.

Mantenere e rafforzare l’identità culturale italiana e italoamericana attraverso programmi di istruzione pubblica che assicurino e promuovano la comprensione e la consapevolezza dei contributi e dei successi, presenti e passati, della comunità di discendenza italiana.

New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission Spring Conference 2025 – ‘Jazz Italian Style’

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) was proud to have presented the highly anticipated Spring Conference, Jazz Italian Style, which took place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Rutgers College Avenue Student Center in New Brunswick, NJ. This unique event explored the profound Italian influence on the evolution of jazz, blending history, culture, and music for an inspiring and educational experience.

The conference highlights included a jazz performance by the Governor Livingston High School Jazz Band in collaboration with The Amistad Commission- Mr. Trevor Melton. Thank you to GLHS Jazz Band Co-Directors Josef Ellis and Nicholas O’Sullivan.

news
NJ Italian Heritage
Save the Date 10/25/25 – NJIHC Annual Congress – Celebrating Italian Heritage Month
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NJ Italian Heritage
NJIHC’s Spring Conference – Jazz Italian Style Was a Resounding Success!
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Featured Posts
Preserving Italian Heritage in New Jersey: A Conversation on the Italian Hour Podcast
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ALL NEWS

LESSON PLANS

an italian’s dream

Table of Contents

Lesson 1
Spice Monopoly Syllabus
Lesson 2
The Man Who Changed the World
Lesson 3
La Raza
Lesson 4
8 Ates

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italians and holocaust

chapters

  • Italians and the Holocaust Background
  • Pope Pius XI, Mussolini and Hitler
  • The Holocaust
  • The Pope Works to Protect Jews from Nazi Atrocities while Protecting Catholics from the Fascists, Nazis, and Bolsheviks
  • Soviet Spies and Propaganda
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The roman legacy

chapters

This project will allow students to examine those who influenced our Founders. They will see a great connection between the formation of the United States and the ancient Roman Republic. Students will come to see the Founders not only learn from the ancients but also converse with their text. They created a new society firmly anchored in an ancient one.

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heritage curriculum

lessons

Elementary School Units
1 – 5 Grade

Middle School Units
6 – 8 Grade

High School Units
9 – 12 Grade

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programs

Strengthening Italian Studies Summit: Get On The Map!

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NJ Italian Living History Project

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Annual Congress

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explore NJIHC

How to Support NJIHC

Do you like Italy and love seeing Italian culture celebrated in New Jersey? If so, consider contributing to the NJ Italian Heritage Commission!

Charitable Donation getting involved