Wheeler Talk: Italian-American Heritage Month

October is Italian American Heritage Month in the U.S., recognizing the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants to the country's way of life. When Congress and President George H.W. Bush ratified the designation in 1989, October was chosen to coincide with Columbus Day.

In this episode, we explore the history of Columbus Day. Time-travel with us back to Louisiana in the 1890s, where a tragic episode in the Italian American experience spurred the need for a day of recognition.

Then return with us to the present to hear stories of Italian Americans in Ocean County.