It was back 1983 when a group of Italian American transplants to Vermont from the Little Italy of Philadelphia, New York or Massachusetts, found themselves missing the culture and "paesani" of their old neighborhoods. After a one night meeting at the Church Street Center, a group spearheaded by Dr. Ken Ciongoli (Kenny from American Bandstand) formed the Vermont Italian Cultural Association.
Unbeknownst to the group, Burlington had its own Little Italy but that community was leveled during the heyday of urban renewal in the 1960s. The only traces which remained were Bove's Restaurant and Merola's Store, both on Pearl Street. Gone were the more than 140 homes, businesses, gardens, community centers, a cathedral, and schools.
It had long been a wish of Dr. Ciongoli to have this bygone neighborhood designated publicly so that now and into the future this once vibrant community would be remembered. Sadly, Ken passed away in 2009 and we all miss this vital man dearly.
To fulfill his dream, the newly renamed Vermont Italian Club dedicated an official Vermont historic marker at the foot of College Street on the Battery Park Extension on October 8, 2011. In addition, there was a day of celebration and remembrance of "Little Italy Burlington" with photos and films, presentations, homemade Italian food, live music and more!
The next event commemorating this neighborhood will be held on October 6, 2012 at Burlington City Hall and Park consisting of the unveiling of five interpretive signs that will be placed at the approximate boundaries of the neighborhood that will describe features and local landmarks and enable smartphone access to a computer rendering of the buildings in the area.
Unbeknownst to the group, Burlington had its own Little Italy but that community was leveled during the heyday of urban renewal in the 1960s. The only traces which remained were Bove's Restaurant and Merola's Store, both on Pearl Street. Gone were the more than 140 homes, businesses, gardens, community centers, a cathedral, and schools.
It had long been a wish of Dr. Ciongoli to have this bygone neighborhood designated publicly so that now and into the future this once vibrant community would be remembered. Sadly, Ken passed away in 2009 and we all miss this vital man dearly.
To fulfill his dream, the newly renamed Vermont Italian Club dedicated an official Vermont historic marker at the foot of College Street on the Battery Park Extension on October 8, 2011. In addition, there was a day of celebration and remembrance of "Little Italy Burlington" with photos and films, presentations, homemade Italian food, live music and more!
The next event commemorating this neighborhood will be held on October 6, 2012 at Burlington City Hall and Park consisting of the unveiling of five interpretive signs that will be placed at the approximate boundaries of the neighborhood that will describe features and local landmarks and enable smartphone access to a computer rendering of the buildings in the area.
Click on the links below to learn more about celebrating Little Italy in 2011 and 2012.
