About Us

National

The Order Sons of Italy in America was established in the Little Italy section of New York City on June 22, 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance in America.

It is the oldest, largest, and most demographically diverse organization of Americans of Italian descent in the North American continent.

The Order operates on three levels: National, State, and Local.

The purpose of the Order is:

to enroll all persons of Italian birth or descent. However, there are many classes of membership which may allow all persons to be eligible.
to promote national education and secure adequate laws for the benefit of its members by active participation in the political, social, and civic life of our communities.

to encourage the dissemination of Italian culture in the United States and uphold the prestige of the people of Italian heritage in America.

to initiate and organize movements for patriotic and humanitarian purposes, thereby establishing a motto of "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity".

The Order continues to be quite active in raising money for many different charitable organizations through it's Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF). Charities include the Cooley's Anemia Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association.

The Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) is the anti-defamation arm of OSIA. It is committed to fighting racism, prejudice, and the stereotyping of Italian Americans and people of other cultures, races, and religion.

State

The Connecticut Grand Lodge was started in 1914 in Waterbury, CT. We currently have 17 active lodges with approximately 2,000 members. Branches of the CSJ and SIF run at the state level with their own committees.