Authentic Italian American Businesses

Cultural Center & Museum

Little Italy San Jose Festival

Downtown San Jose Landmark

MISSION

The Mission of Little Italy San Jose is to honor the contributions of Italian-American Immigrants to Santa Clara County by maintaining a Neighborhood, Museum & Cultural Center where people of all ethnicities can gather, and celebrate our rich Italian heritage & culture.

ABOUT US

Little Italy San Jose was founded in 2010 by current President

Joshua DeVincenzi Melander. Little Italy San Jose officially received it's tax exempt status in 2010 after initially having a donor advised fund with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to sell engraved bricks to raise funds for the Gateway Arch. Early supporters of the initial founding were former Board Member and Co-Founder Debbie Caminiti, current board member, Sergio Oliveri and Advisory Board members Helen Marchese Owen and John A. Sobrato. Little Italy San Jose's 1st Gala in 2009 and the Engraved Brick campaign were some of the initial fundraising events.

Boss of the Sauce Festival | Little Italy San Jose

Established in 2010, Little Italy San Jose is a 501c3 organization that is revitalizing San Jose’s original Italian settlement dating back to the 1880s.

Tax ID 27-3196188

River Street Historic District

GATEWAY ARCH

We successfully raised $77,000 & solicited over $100,000 in In-Kind contributions to install a 31 foot Arch on March 27th, 2015.

This signature Arch is the focal point for Little Italy and a new landmark for the City of San Jose.

bricks

Little Italy Cultural Center & Museum

Museum is open every Sunday deim 12pm - 4pm
Restored the 1910 "Beltramo" home as the Italian Cultural Center & Museum.\\
Converted the basement of the museum to a prohibition era bar named the "Italian Cellar"
Highlighting the numerous contributions Italian American have made to Santa Clara County
Celebrating the our rich Italian culture & heritage
Regular cooking classes are available at www.littleitalysj.com/events
Museum is a popular event rental space for birthdays, anniversaries, company parties and baby and bridal showers

Legacy Banners

Little Italy San Jose has installed over 30 Banners of prominent Italian Americans on the light poles of the adjacent Guadalupe River Park. The banners honor the achievements Italian Americans have contributed to Santa Clara County.

Neighborhood Redevelopment

Welcome to Little Italy San Jose, a dedicated 501c3 organization focused on revitalizing San Jose's original Italian settlement, founded in the 1880s. Located in the River Street Historic District, the city's oldest, we have transformed historic homes and established a cultural hub that encompasses an Italian business district, cultural center, and event rental venue. Our business district is home to renowned establishments such as Paesano Ristorante, Henry's Hi-life, Bibo's Pizza, & Ancora Vino, Poor Hous ebistro and the italian Cultural center and Italian Cellar Speakeasy. We invite you to celebrate our vibrant Italian heritage through community events Gateway arch and expansive vibrant murals that pay tribute to the significant contributions of Italian Americans in our city and celebrate our rich Italian culture.

Little Italy San Jose Board of Directors