With the goal of unleashing the culture Italians established in America, the Library of Congress presented the exhibit "Old Ties, New Attachments: Italian-American Folklife of the West," which toured from October 1992 through December 1994. After two years of integrated study and experience with Italian-American communities, the culmination of research obtained was first presented at the de Saisset Museum of Santa Clara University and featured Italian Americans in the Santa Clara Valley. The central theme focused on home, work, ties, and attachments. Artifacts representative of Italian home-life, coupled with histories of their ways of life, exhibited an Italian culture which incorporated elements of American life. Hence, the exhibit documented Italian-American culture in the Santa Clara Valley, providing the public with a unique perspective and cultural awareness. Although no longer on tour, the book Old Ties, New Attachments: Italian-American Folklife of the West documents the contents of the exhibit with photographs and essays. For further information regarding the publication, send requests to the Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, Washington, D.C. 20540; or contact staff at the de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara.MaryAnn Arndt
