Italy Celebrates 150 Years of Unification and Relations with United States with Unique Exhibition at Italian Embassy, Speech by Former Prime Minister at Georgetown University and Donation of Historical Documents to the Smithsonian Washington, DC, October October 3, 2011

A high-level government delegation led by Former Italian Prime Minister and President of the Italian National Committee for the Celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy Prof. Giuliano Amato will inaugurate the exhibition “Regions and Testimonials” and donate reproductions of historical documents to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, October 3 and 4.

The delegation will include the Italian Minister of Culture, Giancarlo Galan, the Minister of Agriculture, Saverio Romano, and the Minister of Tourism, Michela Brambilla. Italian Ambassador H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata will host the group, which also includes a descendent of Italy’s famous military leader in the fight for unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

“Regions and Testimonials” showcases the diversity yet unity of Italian art in the nation’s 20 regions. Each region is represented by its most important contemporary artist. Historical and promotional videos, archeological artifacts, and exhibits by major Italian companies complement the art in this complex and fascinating presentation.

Prof. Amato will kick off the two days of activities in Washington with a speech at Georgetown University on Italy’s sesquicentennial, hosted by Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia, on Monday, Oct. 3.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Italian delegation will donate to the National Museum of American History copies of historical documents that demonstrate links between the Italian Risorgimento, or 19th century fight for independence, which ended in 1861, and the American fight to preserve the Union in the same period.

Inauguration of the Exhibition “Regions and Testimonials”
5:00 PM, Embassy of Italy
(Open to news media and to the public)

For more information: Contact Ivan Butina, [email protected] or 202-340-9293.