The Italian American Cultural Society was established in 1957 by a small group of dedicated visionaries. They dreamed of developing a meeting place where Italian Americans could gather to preserve their traditions, values, and customs. These concerned few planned a community-oriented structure in which to develop cultural programs and educational services attuned to enhancing the lifestyles of all Italian Americans, indeed the entire community.

Our Italian culture abounds in a rich heritage – From our earliest ancestry in and around the ancient hills of Rome through the building and restructuring of the Renaissance Period, on into the regeneration of the modern world rising today in our land across the sea and in America, our new home – Land of our hopes and dreams.

We are the guardians and protectors of this culture. We are today's Italian Americans, a creative and productive people, filled with the life and energy that exemplify vibrant and deep-rooted traditions, nourished and preserved over the years that are today our legacy.

Operated by the Italian American Cultural Society, the Center is governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by the membership. Directors serve voluntarily and receive no compensation. An advisory board of directors, comprised of representatives from various clubs and associations, and advisors from the academic community freely donate their knowledge and expertise. A full-time staff of administrative, clerical, and maintenance personnel is employed by the Society.

The Center's primary sources of revenue are received from fees for the use of the facilities, payments for educational courses and programs, and contributions from individuals, organizations, and foundations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy.

It is the Center's privilege to host many community activities throughout the year. These diverse events include: Festa Italiana in summer and the annual Columbus Day Celebration. We proudly share our culture through: musical programs, cultural/heritage lecture series; art exhibits and displays, and patriotic observations. Many social events are sponsored by either the Society or by other groups and associations. These projects supply resources necessary to maintain the facility and supplements revenues produced by the Center.

The Center sponsors one of the largest Senior Citizens groups. Members are provided with a monthly schedule of daytime activities that include classes in crafts, dance programs, and card games.

Tivoli Manor, an 80-unit housing complex sponsored by the Center, provides living quarters for seniors and is one of the few accommodations of its type in Warren, Michigan. Tivoli Manor is a unique dwelling place in which our seniors not only find a home, but are also fulfilled in their venerable years with a wonderful life that enhances their dignity, offers respect for their abilities, and challenges them to take an active role in the affairs of their community.

The Italian American newspaper, underwritten by the Center, is a monthly, bilingual publication that provides Italian Americans and others in the metro area with information about the Center and its events in addition to news and views about Italy. The paper also serves as a public relations tool for many smaller Italian organizations to help promote activities and programs.

Italian language classes are offered at the Center through the Education Department. This is a five year program covering all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, Our instructors are highly qualified in teaching philosophy, methods, and proper use of materials. High school students may receive graduation credit from their own schools for work done at the Center, subject to prior approval and some conditions about their general academic performance.

The Center's skilled and accomplished staff coordinate weddings, showers, and parties at our beautiful banquet facility, Partridge Creek.

IACS MISSION STATEMENT

IT IS THE MISSION OF THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY

• To plan, promote, and carry on charitable, educational, and cultural activities, which serve the welfare of the community.
• To preserve traditional Italian culture by sponsoring lectures, classes, conferences, and study groups devoted to contributions made to the world by Italians.
• To compassionately counsel and assist indigent persons dealing with personal, family, or community problems by direct services or referral to appropriate agencies.
• To carry on human relation activities on a charitable basis for the purposes of eliminating bias, prejudice, or discrimination affecting all Americans.
• To develop and benevolently direct an Italian Cultural and Community Center and Senior Housing projects.