Events › The Boston Italians

Beginning after the Civil War Boston's population increased dramatically through both matriculation as well as through immigration. In fact Boston's population in 1870 was 250,000 of which one half was either immigrants or the children of immigrants.

Among the many immigrant groups were the Irish, German, British Isles, Canadian and Italian. 

The North End, so welcoming of immigrants since the early 19th century had become known as "Little Italy" by 1900 and had a large population of people who traced their ancestry to Southern Italy.

During this time the North End saw the Paul Revere House become the Banca Italiana as well as the F.A. Godutti Cigar Factory. The neighborhood would evolve over the years, but still has a cachet as an Italian American neighborhood.

In this illustrated lecture, historian Anthony Samarco will trace the Italians coming to Boston who created a thriving neighborhood in Boston and East Boston.

This program is generously funded by the Baxter Fund. Space is limited. Please call (617) 569-0271 or email mkelly@bpl.org to register.