About Us
History
Casa Colombo is an important historical structure in Jersey City. Built by immigrants in 1936, this edifice served for many years as a social center for Italians who settled in Jersey City. The exterior facade has gone virtually unchanged since it was originally built. However, over the years, the interior of the building has undergone many transformations. It now contains two art galleries, a performance space and the Heritage Hall which exhibits numerous artifacts brought to America by Italian Immigrants.
Officers
Chairman - Patrick A. O'Boyle, Esq
Vice Chair - Carla Truncellito-Mastropierro
Secretary - Dolores Apruzzese-Stapinski
Treasurer - Daniel Apruzzese
Last Past Chairman- Dr. Louis Iozzi, PHD
Trustees
Anita Apruzzese
Rocky Aversa
Anne Grasso-Curcio
Frances De Palma-Iozzi
Angelo Estrada
Dr. Elena Grompone-Rubino, MD
Dr. Louis Iozzi, PHD
Dr. Patricia Santoro, PHD
Mission
The Italian Educational & Cultural Center/Center for the Arts at Casa Colombo (IECC), a 501c3 not for profit organization, serves as a cultural multi-media link between the past and the future of the American and Italian communities of Jersey City. IECC has a two-fold mission: (1) To honor Casa Colombo's place in immigration history by maintaining its historic building and by displaying historical materials and artifacts, and interpreting them for a culturally diverse population in Jersey City and Hudson County, and (2) To foster the visual arts and humanities in the area through visual arts exhibits, performances, concerts, cultural, educational, and literary events, tours, and other programming.
Executive Director
Lisa Collodoro
Assistant Director
Caitlin Malmad
Art Gallery Director/Curator
Lisa Collodoro
Honorary Trustees
Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Tony Franciosa, Robert D'Anton
Collaborators from Turin, Italy
Raffaella Giordana
Silvana Nota
Giulio Mosca
Welcome to the website for the Italian Educational & Cultural Center (IECC) and Center for the Arts at Casa Colombo (CACC). While a full statement of our mission can be found elsewhere in this website, in a nutshell, our objectives are to:
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Preserve our Italian heritage and culture;
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Present programs in the performing and visual arts;
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Present vocal and instrumental concerts in various genres of music – including
Opera, classical, jazz, rock, Italian, etc.
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Present art exhibits;
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Present lectures, book readings/signings, on various cultural, historical and contemporary issues.
All of our activities take place in our beautiful historic building, Casa Colombo. The building, located in Jersey City, was built in 1936 by Italian immigrants who donated their time, skills and money to build this beautiful edifice. Over the years, Casa Colombo has gone through many transformations, from a meeting place for Italian immigrants, to Italian Social Services center, to an Educational and Cultural Center, to a Museum of Immigration, to a Museum of Art, and finally to a Center for the Arts.
Most important, I want to emphasize that we are here for you – the citizens of Jersey City, Hudson County, and the surrounding areas. Please come visit with us. Come to our monthly programs (see our program and Art Exhibit schedules elsewhere on this site.). Take a few minutes to explore this site to see examples of what we are all about.
We have plans to expand our offerings over the coming years. We plan to expand our historic programs and dimensions in 2018. We want to offer workshops in the visual and performing arts. We would also like to offer additional programs for children and seniors, too.
However, we need your help. Your membership is very important and goes a long way toward helping us to continue our work. Please join us. There is a membership application elsewhere on this website. Please take a moment to complete the form and become a member of our organization. Of course, donations are also very welcome. We are a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
Lastly, please come back to this website often to see our schedule of coming events and see photos of various past activities. Just as important, come to our events. They are not only interesting and entertaining, but in the true Italian tradition, food and refreshments are served at all events. I look forward to seeing you. Spero ci vediamo presto.
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Dr. Louis A. Iozzi, Past Chairman
IECC and CACC