Italian Heritage Month is a time for us to reflect on the profound impact that Italian immigrants have had on the cultural, economic, and social fabric of San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. This celebration is not only a recognition of our shared history but also a testament to our enduring values of hard work, creativity, and community.

San Francisco, a city named after St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar who was known for his compassion and dedication to service, is a fitting namesake for a city that has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for immigrants from around the world. The first Italian immigrants arrived in San Francisco during the 1840s, at the dawn of California’s statehood.