Though the Centro Culturale Italiano Di Buffalo has been involved in many ways in the Italian heritage of Buffalo, they finally have a new home with many exciting activities to come this summer.

The “Little Italy ” of Buffalo got a little bigger in the Italian Heritage Month of October 2021 when the historic North Park Library was reopened as the new Italian Culture Center, 2351 Delaware Ave.

While the building was in process the Giacobbe family wanted to preserve the history of Buffalo and make a new one at the same time. This could not have been made possible without the help and support of the many families who are dedicated to the center today.

Programs such as language classes, cooking classes and lecture meetings have been some of the offerings that the center shares. Visitors get to experience a taste of Italy through the herbs used in the cooking that are grown in their beautiful courtyard garden.

Enjoy sipping espresso and a biscotti or two while watching a traditional outdoor Italian game called Bocce. Non-member admission fees are $5.00 for students and seniors while general admission is $7.00. Members are rewarded with discounts and are the first to hear about what is
happening at the center.

The center welcomes everyone of all ages and cultures to be a part of the Italian community through memberships on their website. As a non-profit organization, donations are accepted online.

As Deputy Director, Lindsey Lauren Visser knows all about what people can look forward to during the first summer at the center. There will be art exhibits, music entertainment, outdoor activities and of course the Galbani Cheese Italian Festival of Buffalo.

“You do not need to be Italian to enjoy the activities here at the center, our mission is to celebrate the heritage that is an aspect of what makes part of the Buffalo community so unique,” she said.