Welcome to the
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 Annual Congress 2026

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) hosted its Annual Congress on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Rutgers College Avenue Student Center in New Brunswick, NJ.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence: The Italian Influence & Legacy,” explored the profound and enduring contributions of Italian and Italian American individuals to the founding and development of the United States. The program included a special recognition of the Commission’s 25th anniversary, marking its continued commitment to education and cultural preservation.

news
Featured Posts
The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission, the Foundation for Innovation and Excellence and in Italian Teaching (FIEIT) and UNICO National Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Italian Language and Cultural Education
Read More
Featured Posts
New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission to Showcase Comprehensive K–12 Italian Heritage Curriculum at 2026 NJEA Convention
Read More
Featured Posts
Registration Open! “Celebrating the 250th of American Independence: The Italian Influence & Legacy” – Annual Congress Set For October 24, 2026 Rutgers College Ave Student Center
Read More
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

Learn More

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
Learn More

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.

Learn More

Italian Women Lesson Series

The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) is proud to present the Italian Women Lesson Series, highlighting the extraordinary lives and accomplishments of influential Italian women such as Mother Cabrini, Samantha Cristoforetti, Giorgia Meloni, Maria Montessori, and Saint Josephine Bakhita…

Learn More

programs

Featured Events

Learn More

NJ Italian Living History Project

Learn More

Annual Congress

Learn More

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