The Oyster Bay Historical Society's newest exhibition, "The Italian-American Experience in Oyster Bay," at the Society's home, the historic Earle-Wightman house, opened on Sunday, Oct. 21. Preceding the opening was a roundtable discussion of "The Rise of the Italian-American Politician" at the Oyster Bay Community Center.

Attendees at the discussion were warmly greeted at the door by Mary Claire Pittis who directed them to their seats. After all had arrived and were seated they were greeted by Maureen Monck, Ph.D. who, with Society Director Thomas Kuehhas, were the co-chairs of the exhibit. Publicity for the event was in the capable hands of Madeline Bonasia whose son, First Lieutenant James, is currently commanding a group of peace-keepers in Kosovo.

Dr. Monck introduced Mr. Kuehhas, who would serve as moderator, and the three panelists: NYS Senator Carl Marcellino, Dr. Salvatore LaGumina and former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor the Honorable Louis Yevoli. An unscheduled, but warmly received and welcomed, arrival was the Honorable John Venditto, current Town of Oyster Bay supervisor. Mr. Kuehhas emphasized that this session was to be a "give and take" discussion and encouraged the audience to participate with comments and questions.

All who spoke emphasized the dedication of their parents to the education of their children. At the same time the parents suffered discrimination and back-breaking physical labor for very low (even at that time) wages. At the time, said a speaker, they paid American workers $2 a week, black American workers $1.50 a week and Italians $1 a week. But struggle they did to enable their children to get a better life for themselves. Although overt discrimination has all but disappeared for Italians, many still remember the non-acceptance when being the first Italian family to move into a new neighborhood.

It was pointed out that all newly arrived ethnic groups had shared a similar history. Still painful are the memories of signs reading "Irish need not apply," deeds and covenants restricting sales of property to Jews and African Americans, persecution of citizens with German surnames during World War I and the internment of American citizens of Japanese descent during World War II.

Less well known was the internment of Italians during World War II. Considered enemy aliens, due to Italy's alignment with the Axis Powers of Germany and Japan, there were about 600 persons confined to a camp in Missoula, Montana. This was unusual, to say the least, as there was never the organized support for Fascism and Mussolini that the German-American Bund showed for Nazism and Hitler yet there was not a wholesale internment of German nationals. Germans were imprisoned but only if there was evidence linking them to some illegal activity such as espionage or sabotage.

They said the Italians worked on the North Shore estates doing heavy labor, gardening and now the newest group struggling to "arrive" are the Hispanics from Latin America. Today we see them washing dishes, cleaning buildings, doing gardening chores and other menial jobs so that their children, and their children's children, can eventually live the American dream of getting an education and living a better life. As they do so they will join the ranks of doctors, lawyers, engineers, and business professionals fulfilling their parents' hope and aspirations as the Italians and others who preceded them.

As each group grew in numbers and influence, they began to exercise their sway through the ballot box. Politically, Italians tended to identify with whichever party dominated their geographic area. Those living in New York City tended to be affiliated with the Democratic Party whereas those living upstate tended to tie in with the Republicans. In an area such as Long Island, there tends to be a split. For every Tom Gulotta, Joe Margiotta and Ralph Marino on the Republican side there is a Tom Suozzi, Tom DiNapoli and Lew Yevoli on the Democratic side.

Senator Marcellino told an amusing anecdote of how he first became involved with school board politics through interest in his daughter's education. That gave him his first taste of the political arena which he enjoyed. From there he progressed to town, county and state politics. He concluded by saying that, from his point of view, the school board was the worst of all - which got a hearty laugh from the audience.

Perhaps the saddest and most unfortunate fact brought out by the Italian panelists and audience was the tendency of some otherwise well educated and reasonable people to assume that anyone whose name ends in a vowel is connected to organized crime or related to someone who is. There have been, and still are criminals in other ethnic groups, but of every nationality none have this automatic association/stigma.

There was considerable give and take between the panelists and the audience which was as it should be in a discussion of this type. The time passed too quickly and when the clock approached three Tom Kuehhas invited all in attendance to join him at the Earle-Wightman House for the opening of the multimedia exhibition and reception featuring antipasti delicacies, sparkling wines and soft drinks.

Reception and Exhibit The well-prepared foods were kept coming in a steady stream thanks to the dedicated servers who circulated through the rooms making sure that no one missed out on any of the treats except by choice. The bar was located in the library with a nice assortment of wines, water and soft drinks for the thirsty visitors. There was a feast for the eyes and ears that surpassed the delectable food and drink. The hallway, parlor and Discovery room were filled with artifacts, photos, documents, articles of clothing and other items both donated and loaned to the Society for this exhibition. The interactive terminal gives visitors a chance to read excerpts from interviews, conducted by Tom Kuehhas, of Italian immigrants and their descendents. Also available are views of old photographs that have been scanned into the computer. The impression one comes away with is how important the family was, and is, to the Italians whether in America or in Italy. Sunday's activities were but one of several events planned celebrating the Italian-American heritage. There is no charge to visit the Earle-Wightman House exhibit, at 20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay, except for a voluntary contribution. The next event is La Festa di Autunno: Una celebrazione della musica e la culinaria Italiana, a dinner and concert at Coe Hall (fee $125), from 6 to 11 p.m. Call the Oyster Bay Historical Society at 516-922-5032 for details, hours and directions.