The latest episode of “Nuova York: Hidden in Plain Sight” tells the story of a pivotal place for Italians celebrating May Day in New York—the Italian Labor Center. Contributing to this chapter is Andrea Fiano, Editor at Large of Global Finance Magazine.
Built over a century ago, at 231 East 14th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, the Italian Labor Center was the headquarters of the Local 48 of the Italian Ladies Garment Union, which counted over 12,000 members. It also became a hub for anti-fascist activity during World War II.
Remarkably, the original marble signage is still visible, framed by two evocative bas reliefs, one happy and one sad—believed to be by poet-sculptor Onorio Ruotolo—celebrating the dignity of labor, family bonds, and social justice.
Brought to life by Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, ‘Nuova York: Hidden in Plain Sight’ is on a mission to uncover and showcase the tangible traces of the Italian presence in New York City, which boasts the largest Italian-American population in North America and ranks as the third-largest Italian population outside of Italy itself. Each episode of this series shines a spotlight on something special—be it a monument, a church, a store, a building, or even a street, answering those fundamental questions: when was it established, by whom, and why?
Videography by
Eugenio Pizzorno
