About Us

Between 1890 and 1900, when the railroad and mining industries needed labor, many Italian immigrants found their way to Utah. Arriving from various regions of Italy, new immigrants found work among the various trades and occupations that were prominent at the time: miners, shoemakers, tailors, railroad workers, iron, produce, grocers, teachers, business owners. Most of those who came to Utah made it their home. They raised their families here, started businesses and contributed Italian tradition and culture. These traditions have endured and now continue on through their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. 

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The Italian American Civic League was founded in 1934 with the objective of promoting, nurturing and supporting good fellowship, friendship, civic and social engagement, and education to those that were far from home and living in Utah.

 

As a civic organization, the League set out to support underprivileged youth and educational programs, giving back to children and families that need it most. These efforts continue today through fundraising, donations to charitable organizations, service projects, and a scholarship fund. As a social organization, the League began such legacy traditions as All State Italian Day at Lagoon – which began in 1934 and continues still today. New traditions, such as Festa Italiana SLC and Living Traditions Festival have been introduced and will continue to pave the way to a lasting future of fellowship and celebration.

 

The basic desire to maintain the Italian culture and traditions and give back to the community was very strong when the League was established and it prevails today. Still growing, today the Italian American Civic League of Utah has members as young as 16 and as “seasoned” as 102.