Save Our Heritage Organization: Penning the Past Zoom Lecture – Little Italy

Join the Save Our Heritage Organization to learn about the unique character of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods through the eyes of impassioned writers and historians. Brought to life by esteemed local authors, Penning the Past promises to be an enriching exploration of San Diego’s architectural legacy and historical tapestry.  The series is free for SOHO members, $10 per lecture for non-members. Your participation supports SOHO’s mission of education and advocacy to preserve the historic architecture, sites, and cultural landscapes that surround us and add meaning to our daily lives.

Little Italy by Dr. Thomas J. Cesarini

Italian immigrants settled along San Diego’s waterfront in the early 1900s and formed the “Italian Colony,” a tightly knit community that provided refuge, shared culture, and heritage. Extended families, new businesses, and church traditions formed the foundation for a lasting social code. It was no coincidence that the area would become known as Little Italy—it was exactly that for its inhabitants—a home away from their native land. But by the mid-1960s, changes brought by war and urban modernization began to unravel the community. Take a compelling journey through this unique immigrant enclave. Vivid images and descriptive captions highlight essential elements of this community, such as labor and longing, fishing and family, ritual and revitalization. Through photographs contributed by local community members, this volume traces the evolution of a humble fishing village into the chic urban neighborhood that is Little Italy today.

Author bio Dr. Thomas J. Cesarini, a distinguished academic and nonprofit leader, founded Convivio, a nonprofit dedicated to Italian humanities. Holding a PhD in leadership studies and an M.A. in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of San Diego, he is known for his advocacy for San Diego’s Italian community and was appointed as the Italian Honorary Consul in 2019. He established the Italian Historical Society of San Diego in 2006, aiming to create a comprehensive Italian cultural center and museum. Dr. Cesarini’s commitment to fostering Italian arts, culture, and heritage makes him a stalwart advocate in the San Diego Italian-American community.

This event is hosted by the Save Our Heritage Organization. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.