The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) and the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) proudly announce a month-long collaboration honoring Italian Heritage Month from October 1 through October 31. This partnership celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Italian Americans to New Jersey’s culture, history, and civic life while emphasizing the importance of education in preserving and promoting heritage.
Through this collaborative campaign, both organizations will highlight stories, programs, and educational initiatives designed to inspire pride in Italian American heritage and educate future generations. The month-long celebration will feature a variety of online and in-person activities, including spotlights on notable Italian American inductees of the NJHOF, classroom resources, and special events developed by NJIHC to help teachers integrate Italian heritage into their curriculum. The NJIHC will be holding its annual congress at Rutgers University Student Center on October 25, 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Honoring Italian Contributions and Preserving Italian Culture.’ The NJ Hall of Fame will also be in attendance, showcasing the month’s prominent NJ Italian American icons and their rich cultural history and stories.
A key element of the campaign will be a dynamic social media vignette featuring renowned educator and activist Nicholas Ferroni, who will also highlight important Italian American facts and history. This engaging and educational content will reach audiences statewide, bringing history and culture directly to classrooms, families, and communities.
“The New Jersey Hall of Fame exists to celebrate individuals who inspire us all to reach our highest potential,” said Ali Genova. “Italian Americans have made extraordinary contributions across every sector of society, and this campaign will bring their stories to life for people of all ages.”
“Education is at the heart of our mission,” said Vincent Maione, NJIHC Chairman. “By partnering with the New Jersey Hall of Fame and Nicholas Ferroni, we’re able to reach even more students and families with programs that honor the legacy and contributions of Italian Americans in New Jersey.”
The NJHOF honors citizens of the Garden State who have made invaluable contributions in arts, business, public service, sports, and beyond. The NJIHC is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Italian Americans through educational programs, resources, and events that support New Jersey schools and communities.
Together, the two organizations will provide accessible, engaging content and educational tools throughout October, inviting schools, community groups, and the public to participate in celebrating Italian Heritage Month.
For more information about the campaign and upcoming events, please visit:
About The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission
The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) is committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Italians and Italian Americans in New Jersey. Through education, community engagement, and advocacy, we ensure that Italian contributions to history, arts, and society are recognized and honored for generations to come.
About the New Jersey Hall of Fame:
Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 16 ceremonies for more than 240 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.
