By Joseph V. Scelsa

The Italian American Museum’s emergence [provisionally chartered by the New York State Board of Regents on June 12, 2001] has filled the void for those interested in Italian and Italian-American culture and history. America & Italia Weekly, our new publication, is dedicated to offering insight into the political, economic, and cultural life of Italy and America today. It offers an alternative perspective from the mainstream media in both countries.
There is a natural synergy between the Italian American Museum (IAM) and America & Italia Weekly. Dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Italy and Italian- Americans, the IAM offers an historical perspective by collecting, preserving, and interpreting tangible objects and reminiscences, through exhibitions, conferences and symposia. Within the pages of the America & Italia Weekly contemporary issues that concern Italy and America, Italians and Italian-Americans, are explored, debated and discussed. Just as the flow of Italian immigrants to the United States created an enduring link between these two countries, the Italian American Museum, through its sponsorship of the America & Italia Weekly, will continue this dialogue with a discussion of issues pertinent to Italians and Italian-Americans today.
We go to press with this issue as American and coalition forces continue to fight in Iraq. The war is central to this issue of A & I Weekly as we present the Italian government’s position on American foreign policy, as well as interviews with two pivotal Italian journalists who discuss the challenges of presenting the American position on war with Iraq to Italians who may disagree.
As we discuss this struggle, however, it is difficult not to reflect upon images and ideals that represent freedom and liberty. The unique bond between Italy and America in many ways serves as a shining example of the virtues of American freedom and democracy. Indeed, as the huddled masses passed the Statue of Liberty on their way to a new world, the struggles ahead would eventually be eclipsed by the successes to follow in this “land of opportunity.” Today, this bond is manifest from the support America has received from President Silvio Berlusconi and the Italian government during this time of crisis—it will not soon be forgotten. At America & Italia Weekly, we pray that those who are serving their country in defense of these venerated ideals will return quickly and safely, and that we all may live in a more peaceful world.
In support of our heroic fighting men and women, the exhibit currently on display at the Italian American Museum is a tribute to one Italian-American military hero. “Behind the Barbed Wire: Angelo Spinelli’s Photo-documentation on Life and Culture in a POW Stalag Camp” is the fascinating story of Mr. Angelo Spinelli, a native New Yorker, who risked his life to capture on film life inside a German prisoner of war camp during World War II. The Italian American Museum is currently in transitional residence at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY located at 28 West 44th Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

*Publisher, America & Italia Weekly
President, Italian American Museum