History Professor to Lecture on Italian Patriot Giuseppe Mazzini

History Professor and La Motta Endowed Chair in Italian Studies, William Connell, Ph.D., will offer a lecture, “'The Soul of Italy': A Lecture On Giuseppe Mazzini” at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Italian Educational and Cultural Center (IECC) / Casa Colombo in Jersey City, New Jersey, about Giuseppe Mazzini, the visionary who pushed for the Unification of Italy in the 19th century. 

The Center has organized an exhibit around Mazzini's newly found correspondence from the 1850s with an American citizen and diplomat, George Sanders, who later became an agent for the Confederacy – Sanders was also accused (wrongly) of participating in the conspiracy to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. 

The lecture will describe Mazzini's role in the movement to create an Italian state, explain how Mazzini and Sanders were friends in the 1850s, address what 'secession' meant in the context of 19th century national movements and describe how Mazzini's successful campaign to establish a new Italy nevertheless resulted for him in a tragic ending.

Connell's lecture will be followed by light refreshments, as well as the exhibition of Giuseppe Mazzini's letters within the Italian Heritage Hall throughout the summer.

This event is open to the public, with tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are free for IECC members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for students. Visit the event page for more information.

The lecture is also sponsored by the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in collaboration with America 250, and the Family of Rocky Aversa.

Categories: Arts and Culture