OSIA Founder
Originally called “L’Ordine Figli d’Italia,” the Order Sons of Italy in America was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22,1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., 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 with assimilation in America. Since our inception, the Order Sons of Italy in America has continue to modify their approach to address the needs of those of Italian descent. Although we no longer need to assist Italian immigrants with assimilating into the American culture, we have not let down our vigilance in regards to anti-defamation. Throughout the years OSIA members have contributed $164 million to various charities, relief funds, scholarships, and programs related to Italian culture and heritage. Please access our national website for a detailed account of our philanthropic history and organizational accomplishments.
The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), began in Maryland with the formation of the Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #183, in April 1913. Additional local Lodges soon followed and membership continued to grow, which qualified Maryland to institute the Grand Lodge of Maryland on July 18,1920.
The Grand Lodge of Maryland today, provides the essential link between our National Headquarters and our local lodges. Some of the duties facilitated by the Grand Lodge include: the dissemination of information regarding national issues that are of importance to those of Italian heritage, fundraising, and technical support to maintain standard operating procedures in conjunction with our local lodges. The Grand Lodge of Maryland also provides scholarships to eligible Maryland residents of Italian ancestry, and coordination throughout the state with other Italian-American groups. Annually, the Grand Lodge also sponsors a Columbus dinner, Columbus Day wreath laying in Little Italy, Italian night at Ripkin stadium and a crab feast that increases in Popularity each year. The Grand Lodge also publishes a quarterly newsletter, the II Giornale, which keeps OSIA members in Maryland aware of activities throughout the state.
We share our story entitled “the Triumphant Journey”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsQ5oh2VIvk