Dear Friends of the Center,
As we move toward October 2026, our hearts are filled with gratitude for everyone who has been by our side on this incredible journey. The Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa will become a special place in our community because of your generosity, your hard work, and your unwavering support. Read more….
It was a true “Who’s Who” of city, county, and state leaders—complete with the Governor, the Mayor, and the Polk County Supervisors—all gathered with silver shovels in hand to celebrate our Groundbreaking!
Watch the WHO13 newscast here.
The Olive Tree: A Symbol of Family and Heritage
In Italian culture, the olive tree represents strength, resilience, and deep roots—much like the bonds of family. Just as the tree endures through generations, so too does the love and connection shared by family members. Strong, rooted, and ever-growing, the olive tree symbolizes the enduring legacy of our Italian heritage.
Your $200 tax-deductible donation purchases a 4” engraved leaf featuring three lines of personalized text – perfect for honoring, commemorating, or remembering a loved one.
Your family history is part of our Italian-American community’s story. Together, we can preserve and celebrate those stories for future generations.
As part of the ongoing renovation of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa, which will be completed in Fall 2026, a brand new Genealogy Room is being created. This space will offer resources to help you explore your Italian roots — and we’re also including a Genealogy Room Library to showcase family histories.
If you’ve already traced your Italian family story, we’d love for you to share a copy of your book, or tree to help grow this collection.
Questions? Reach out to Kathy at foggia@iaccofia.org
Several people have asked about the display of our flags and the order in which they are flown.
I would like to clarify this point.
Here is the rule regarding flying the US flag, a state flag, and a flag from another nation:
Read this great article by Kate Kealy of The Des Moines Register
The renovation and expansion of an iconic white mansion that overlooks Gray’s Lake and downtown Des Moines is expected to begin this summer with much of the work completed by fall 2026.
Members of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa have spent more than two years planning and raising money ……………..
Read more in our July Newsletter.
We are honored to be featured in the June 2025 issue of Cityview DSM. Read about amazing Italians, from Babe Bisignano to Lou Farrell to Caitlin Clark in this amazing article by Jim Duncan.
Many members of our community have asked how donations for the new Center are being used. It’s a question that reflects the deep connection so many feel to our shared heritage.
The story that follows is just one example of how these contributions are making a difference. This particular donation carries with it a legacy of love, hard work, and cultural pride. It represents more than just financial support; it is a tribute to family and the hope that future generations will continue to celebrate and honor our rich Italian roots. Read story.
Follow our journey as we go beyond boundaries to enrich Iowa’s cultural landscape.