When celebrating #ItalianHeritageMonth, I enjoy highlighting the rich cultural heritage and history of the Italian and Italian American people, particularly art, music, literature, architecture, and of course the stories surrounding them.

Today we interview Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located near Olivera St. in DTLA, housed inside the oldest remaining structure in the area, built in 1908. It’s a treasure, complete with an original speak easy door from the prohibition days.

The #IAMLA is a gem, packed with stories of the Italian American journey to this country, complete with in depth stories and research into each exhibit. There are revolving exhibits, such as the one about women’s needlework from the Italian diaspora, called, Woven Lives. Next month, the Pinocchio exhibit, A Real Boy: The Story of Pinocchio, which is sure to be a hit, as this story has been told to generations and still enthralls young and old.

There’s a new interactive app, too, featuring some of your favorite Italians telling their stories. Mariana talks anout her vision, how she created this gem of a museum, we talk about her life growing up Italian in Los Angeles, and so much more.

Please join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast on all video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, Italian or not. This story is for everyone. Thanks for tuning in🇮🇹 #DeborahZaraKobylt

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