From Italy to Kansas City
We encourage you to submit your family name and town of origin. Together, we will celebrate our heritage and document our roots!
La Famiglia
We honor all of the Italians who made the journey from Italy to Kansas City! Honor the legacy of those who came before you and add their name today!
Italian Clubs
Discover the history of the Italian clubs in Kansas City and connect with your Italian heritage by joining one of the Italian clubs in the area today!
Mangia
Italian cuisine is rooted in family and tradition, with recipes that have been passed down through generations. Each region features its specialties.
Events
Please check our calendar to see what’s happening in Kansas City’s Italian-American community, or add your event to our calendar.
Italian-American Business Directory
Kansas City once had an Italian-American business directory. Let’s revive the tradition and support KC’s Italian-American businesses, clubs, and organizations!
Featured News
Lydia Visits Holy Rosary
Emmy award-winning television host, best-selling cookbook author, and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich visited Holy Rosary in…
The Neighborhood:
The North End Becomes
Columbus Park
We are currently producing a documentary that explores the evolution of Kansas City’s Little Italy neighborhood, originally known as the North End and now referred to as Columbus Park. The original boundaries of the neighborhood were approximately from Grand to Highland (E-W) and from 3rd St. to Admiral (N-S). Several key events transformed the North End into the Columbus Park we know today. Notable changes include the neighborhood’s renaming in April 1967, the significant area lost to the construction of the ASB and Paseo bridges, the 6th Street Trafficway, I-29, and I-35, which effectively isolated the neighborhood, turning it into a small island, as well as the development of Guinotte Manor.
We need your help! We are seeking photographs, videos, and personal stories to feature in our film. Additionally, we are seeking donations and sponsors. Proceeds from the documentary will be used to fund a memorial honoring Kansas City’s Italian immigrants, which will be placed in Columbus Park.
Interview with Kansas City Italian Andrew Inzerillo.
We are Italian Americans.
Cibo
(Food)
Italian American food often includes classic dishes such as pasta, pizza, lasagna, and meatballs, reflecting our heritage and the regions from which our families originate. Family meals are a cherished tradition, with Sunday lunches and dinners holding particular significance. The Italian proverb, “A tavola non si invecchia,” meaning “You don’t grow old at the table,” emphasizes the importance of shared meals and good company.
Famiglia
(Family)
La Famiglia is the heart of our lives, embodying unwavering loyalty and unity. Our family is a refuge, a secure haven, and a steadfast source of support. In Italian culture, the family stands as a pillar, representing one of the most vital aspects of our society.
La Famiglia e Tutto!
Fede
(Faith)
The majority of Italians in Kansas City are Catholic, but there is also a significant presence of various Protestant denominations. Family and community are the heart of our religious life, where cherished traditions are lovingly passed down through generations. St. Joseph’s Day and the Feast of Our Lady of the Audience stand as powerful celebrations in our community, embodying the spirit of our heritage and the resilience of traditions brought from the old country, which continue to thrive today.
