Trenton, NJ, September 3, 2024 – The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) is proud to announce the launch of its latest educational initiative, The Creation of America: The Roman Legacy. This newly developed curriculum lesson delves into the profound influence of the ancient Roman Republic on the formation of the United States, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the intellectual foundation of America’s Founding Fathers.
This curriculum is designed to highlight the American Founding generation, often regarded as the greatest intellectual generation in the nation’s history. The Founders, known for their exceptional knowledge and wisdom, drew inspiration from the ancients, particularly the Roman Republic. Through this lesson, students will examine the significant connection between the formation of the United States and the principles of ancient Rome.
Students will not only study the ancient texts that influenced the Founders but will also engage in critical analysis, challenging and probing the beliefs of those who shaped the nation. The project underscores the importance of understanding the past to fully appreciate the present, echoing the timeless wisdom of Cicero, “To know nothing of what happened before you were born is to forever remain a child.”
Chairwoman Emeritus Cav. Gilda Rorro Baldassari, Ed.D., expressed her excitement about the new curriculum, stating, “A new school year is rapidly approaching. The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC), housed in the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), has an effective tool to ensure academic excellence and ZEST in your classroom. It is an infusion model aimed to enrich your approved curriculum and meet all DOE standards.”
She continued, “Each lesson and our new video series begin with an Italian topic, then branch out to include similar themes in other cultures. The DOE has called it a model for teaching the heritage of all students. The U.S. News and World Report issued a statement: ‘Italy is the most culturally significant country in the world.’ Let The NJIHC’s Universality of Italian Heritage curriculum illustrate the why and how those words will be relevant for your students.”
The NJIHC invites educators to access these valuable resources by visiting the Commission’s website, njitalianheritage.org. Teachers are encouraged to fill out the Teacher Registration Form and explore the Universality of Italian Heritage curriculum under the “Curriculum” section. This project promises to bring an invigorating ZEST to classrooms, offering students a deeper appreciation of the roots of American democracy and the enduring legacy of the Roman Republic.
NJIHC’s 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.
Contact: New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission
Email: mfontana@njitalianheritage.org
Website: njitalianheritage.org
