The Ohio Statehouse is a National Historic Landmark here in the Capital City of Ohio, Columbus. On the grounds of the Statehouse, you’ll find a monument/statue of Christopher Columbus who is the namesake of Ohio’s capital city. Unbeknownst to me, and not so common is the existence of another famed Italian.

One day, while walking just west of the Ohio Statehouse, next to Columbus’ city hall, I noticed the name on a street sign and said to myself, “could it be named after that famous Italian person I’m thinking of?” After some research, indeed the street called “Marconi Boulevard” is named after the famed Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi known for developing the radio.

Back in 1937, two local Italian Americans, along with other residents of Italian descent, were instrumental in sponsoring and petitioning the city to change the name of Water Street to Marconi Boulevard. From my research I can reference Frank Cipriano and Joseph Gauderi responsible for leading the change effort. Frank was an Italian consular agent and lawyer. Joseph was a tailor and had a dry-cleaning business. At that time, both men were active members of the Piave Club. Established in 1919, today, the Piave Club is Central Ohio’s oldest Italian American civic and social organization. 

For Italian Americans in Columbus and the surrounding area, the naming of Marconi Boulevard is a symbol of Italian history that is recognized and on full display here in the capital city of Ohio.