FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

EVENT: Reception to honor Piero De Masi, Consul General of Italy  in Boston, followed by a special viewing of the “Tirocchi  Exhibit”           

SPONSORS: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) & The Honorary Vice Consul of Italy in Providence, Ronald W. Del Sesto, Esq.

WHEN: Thursday, March 29, 2001 – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

WHERE: The Rhode Island School of Design Museum
244 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903
401/454-6500

    To welcome Italy’s consul general of Italy in Boston, Piero De Masi, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is co-hosting a reception in his honor followed by a special viewing of From Paris to Providence: Fashion, Art, and The Tirocchi Dressmakers Shop 1915 -1947.

    The Tirocchi sisters, Anna and Laura, were turn of-the-century Italian immigrants, who cultivated their reputation as the finest dressmakers in the region, selling couture clothing to an elite clientele. The exhibition includes all the business records of A. and L. Tirocchi, a Providence, Rhode Island-based dressmaking business in the early 1900’s, as well as, a collection of the creations displayed on mannequins. The Tirocchi Collection, particularly the written archive, is a resource for understanding Italian immigration, and the history of women as workers and consumers. Visit the exhibit’s website: www.risd.edu/museum.cfm

    The mayor of Providence Vincent “Buddy” Cianci will attend the event along with prominent community leaders and those who have been active in Italian affairs. Matthew Di Domenico, NIAF executive vice president, will give the opening remarks. He will be joined by Phillip M. Johnston, the director of Rhode Island School of Design Museum.

    We are also celebrating the Republic of Italy’s reinstallation of the office of the Vice Consul of Italy in Providence after a 25-year absence in the city. Ronald W. Del Sesto, Esq. is the honorary vice consul of Italy in Providence and the event’s co-host. Del Sesto also serves on the NIAF Board of Directors and is the Foundation’s area coordinator for the state of Rhode Island.