Pamela Dorazio Dean

Pamela Dorazio Dean, Associate Curator for Italian American History, Western Reserve Historical Society

Successful Benefit for Helping Hands Ministry at Club Molisani Charities

May 2019
On March 23, over 150 people gathered at the Club Molisani Charities hall in Wickliffe, OH to play bocce, bid on prizes and participate in a $5 side board to raise money to benefit Helping Hands Ministry of St. Paschal Baylon Church in Highland...


Saving History: An Old Tradition New to Me

May 2019
An Italian tradition in which I never had the opportunity to participate is the St. Joseph’s Table. I had read about it and heard about it from other Italian Americans, but it was not something my family celebrated. After finally attending last...


Remembering Alfonso D'Emilia

February 2019
The Italian American community of Cleveland lost a leader, an intellectual, a gentleman, and a friend this past October 2018. Alfonso D’Emilia was 90-years-old when he passed away after a short illness. He was the beloved husband for 63 years of...


Saving History - Rosemary Rosaria Del Balso Colarochio’s First Communion Veil

December 2018
Among the most important rites celebrated by Catholics is the First Communion. This is when a child usually around the age of 7 or 8 accepts the body and blood of Christ symbolized in the Eucharist for the first time. Special attire is required for...


Joseph Mandato, a "Doughboy" from Collinwood

November 2018
A photograph of Joseph (Giuseppe) Mandato in his WWI Army uniform hangs prominently on the second floor of the Highland Heights home of his daughter Victoria Mandato Thomas. It is placed so that Victoria can see her father every night before going...


2018 Cleveland Italian Heritage Month Honorees

October 2018
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month in the city of Cleveland, the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee is proud to honor the following outstanding Italian Americans for their contributions and service to our community. Tom Cirincione...


Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee Announces 2018 Italian Heritage Month Honorees

September 2018
The Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee in partnership with the City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office and Cleveland City Council will host a ceremony in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 at 6 p.m. to celebrate Italian...


Saving History: Italian Wine Traditions Event at Cleveland History Center

June 2018
The afternoon of Saturday June 16th promises to be a very enjoyable one at the Cleveland History Center in University Circle – especially if you are into wines and winemaking!  From 1:00-4:00p.m. the CHC will host History on Tap:...


Saving History: WWI Exhibit Features Italians

May 2018
Visitors to the Cleveland History Center in University Circle can learn about Cleveland during WWI in the Center’s central exhibition Cleveland Starts Here®. During this centennial year of the War’s end, the CHC offers visitors the opportunity to...


Nominations Being Accepted for Cleveland Italian Heritage Month

May 2018
The city of Cleveland annually kicks off Italian American Heritage Month with a celebration at City Hall on the first Monday in October. This year, the event will be on Monday, October 1, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Mayor Frank G. Jackson...


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