The Italian Cultural Center of the Delaware Valley (ICCDV) established in 2023 is in the historic Lazaretto building in Essington, Pennsylvania. Within this historic landmark site, the ICCDV is preserving, promoting, and highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Italy and the Italian American (IA) experience.
The Lazaretto is noted as America’s oldest quarantine station operating from 1801 to 1895. The ICCDC operates as a non-profit, with free admission, and a group of dedicated volunteers who provide tours during posted visiting hours.
The ICCDV exhibit gallery exists on the second floor of the Lazaretto building. The gallery features rare Italian artifacts, along with various displays that highlight the contribution of Italians and Italian Americans. The displays include immigrant history (Coming to America timeline), art, industry, local Philadelphia area IA contributions, and the Italian culture across the United States and beyond. Each display connects visitors to the rich legacy of the IA experience, with inspiring stories, and achievements of Italian Americans. A unique item exhibited is Thomas Jefferson’s drawing of a macaroni machine.
In addition to exhibits, the ICCDV hosts events all year long that are open to the public, from Italian themed cultural festivals, speaker series, to film screenings and food tastings. These events aim to promote Italian traditions, language, music, food, and art inviting all to experience and appreciate the richness of Italian culture in America. The annual wine festival will be held this year on Saturday, 26-September.
The ICCDV serves Italian American communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania—including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties—as well as in South Jersey (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties), New Castle County, Delaware, and Cecil County, Maryland.
The Lazaretto building where the ICCDV is housed is located just south of the Philadelphia International airport at 97 Wanamaker Ave., in Essington, PA. Whether you’re exploring your Italian roots, expanding your knowledge, or simply appreciating Italian culture, the ICCDV is a must place to visit.
ICCDV website: http://www.iccdelval.org
