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Welcome to the Colorado Italian American Foundation!

DaVinci and Columbus
Two Extraordinary Explorers

Upcoming events in October are highlighted by the 120th Anniversary and re-Dedicaiton of the Columbus Monument and Piazza in Pueblo, Colorado on October 13, 2025 – event details are below —

120th Anniversary of the unveiling and dedication of the Columbus Monument — Pueblo, Colorado, the first dedicated Columbus monument west of the Mississippi, and registered with the National Historical Registry

Honoring the original 1905 dedication of the Columbus Monumnet and those individual across theNation who facilitiated funding for its construction and dedication.

President Benjamin Harrison declared the first National observance of Columbus Day for the Nation in 1892, here is a short recreation of that historic proclamation

The Pueblo Columbus Monument is the first Columbus Monument West of the Mississippi

Following the proclamation recoginizing the celebration of Columbus Day a number of localities around the Nation initiated plans for annual celebrations at the turn of the 20th century.

On October 13, 1905, the growing Columbian Federation dedicated to the City of Pueblo the Columbus monument and piazza, accepted by then Mayor West, on behalf of the City;

More than 7,000 people gathered to participate in the dedication of the monument which remains a symbol of honor and heritage for the many families who found their way to America to make a new life for their families –

On October 13, 2025, we will celebrate the 120th anniversary of that original dedication and extend invitation to you and your families and friends to be part of this once in a lifetime event.

Join us:

Where: Columbus Monument Piazza
100 E. Abriendo Ave
Pueblo, CO 81003

When: October 13, 2025 —
10:00 AM

Private Luncheon to follow ceremony at 11:30 AM – tickets required for entrance private luncheon ; please note, no tickets shall be sold at the door – please acquire tickets prior to the event; contact: admin@coiaf.org

Luncheon tickets are $10 per person and sponsored by COIAF.

Featuring: The luncheon will feature archival exhibits, Historical Memorabilia; Historical photographs from 1905, and more!

October 13, 1905

Columbus Monument and Piazza
Pueblo, Colorado

1905 Dedication

Presentations by Hector Chiariglione, Mayor West, and Senator Casimiro Barela united Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Greek, Irish, and local Pueblo communities in one celebration.

Columbus Day in Colorado

In 1907, Senator Barela and Angelo Noce advanced the bill establishing Columbus Day in Colorad, America’s first state to do so—paving the way for federal recognition in 1937.

120th Anniversary

October 13, 2025

Columbus Monument
re-dedication
10:00 AM

100 E. Abriendo
Pueblo, Colorado

About COIAF

The Colorado Italian American Foundation [COIAF] was founded to advance Italian Heritage, Culture, History and Art through Education & Outreach throughout Colorado — including philanthropic Education scholarships for high school students, Language Arts, and community services:

Our primary focus is to find ways to increase the extend outreach to our communities here in Colorado, and to support scholarship grants to eligilbe students as the cost of education continues to skyrocket.

We continue to focus on establishing a physical Italian Heritage and Cultural center in Pueblo, Colorado which will require paid staffing for which the Foundation will work diligently to promote and sustain through additional grants and donations:

COIAF is focused upon greatly increasing the awareness of Italian History and Culture and contributions by those of Italian heritage, which brings to mind names like Enrico Fermi, Giovanni Verazzano, Michelangelo, Galileo, Mario Como, Lee Iacocca, Guglielmo Marconi, Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, Italian citizens of the Year honored locally and Nationally, including the unique Columbus Day Hall of Fame inductions initiated by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America Lodge 2738 in southern Colorado this past year:

Our Italian Heritage and Culture is an extraordinary thread which has been weaved into the fabric of America:

We ask your support to help us actively expand our services and outreach with your tax deductible donation:

We recognize that donations can be a challenge. Instead of a large one-time gift we ask that you consider a recurring monthly gift which fits into your budget that makes minimal impact on your family activities yet, provides a sustaining gift to to support ongoing work of the foundation.

Your tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated!