The Historic Italian Hall Foundation plans a unique celebration on Sunday, July 15 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. This special event, which will provide an update on the restoration of the Italian Hall and the development of the museum designs, will be held at Casa Italiana, 1051 North Broadway. Architectural plans and interior design sketches will be presented with opportunity for the consultant and the designers to answer visitors' questions. Members of the HIHF Board will also be on hand to provide information. Among the interesting displays will be information on how to contribute individual family and business histories to the planned Italian Heritage Book of Southern California. There will also be an opportunity to purchase an autographed copy of the new publication, Fulfilling the Promise: An Anthology of the Italian American Experience in California, edited by Dr. Gloria Ricci Lothrop.

According to event coordinator, Guy Masciotra, guests are invited to attend the buffet dinner free of charge. The menu will include salad, pasta, meatballs, sausage with peppers, wine, dessert and coffee. A full cash bar will be available during the reception. Margaret Bisetti, chairperson of the Social Committee is overseeing the event activities, which will include displays of historic photos and artifacts made available by local Italian organizations and special recognition of "Mille Grazie" donors who have given a thousand dollars or more. In addition to the latest information on the Italian Hall Museum, including a visual presentation, there will be discussion of ways to support the very important effort to establish an Italian American Museum, in the historic building at the northwest corner of El Pueblo Historic Monument, which was a social center for the Italian community from 1908 to 1931.

Guests will receive invitations in June. They are invited to bring others interested in supporting the Italian Hall and the Museum. But it is essential to make reservations as soon as possible, since only the first 350 reservations can be accepted for this unique community event.

Make your reservations early by calling Rosemarie at (626) 288-2026.

The City of Los Angeles and the State of California have already invested $1.1 million dollars in restoring this monument to the history of Italian Americans in Southern California. There is now an opportunity for local Italian Americans to join in recapturing their proud heritage. President Rosemarie Lippman has emphasized, "We are hoping that the Italian American community will unify to make the Museum a reality here in Los Angeles."

For additional information consult the following Websites: www.italianhall.org or www.4pointspress.com. All of your e-mails will be forwarded to the proper people.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
This is a worthwhile cause and we urge all, whatever your ethnicity, to attend and support this Friendraiser Event. You will not only have fun but you will learn much about the Museum's start, its current development and its future goals. Direct your email to the Editor.