Episode 60: Marianna Gatto

In this special episode, we’re joined by Marianna Gatto — historian, educator, and Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Marianna shares stories from her remarkable book Italian Americans of Los Angeles, offering a deep dive into the overlooked history of Italian immigrants in California.
We talk about her personal ties to Colorado’s Italian roots, the surprising early history of Italians in LA, the influence of women like auto-racing pioneer Nina Vita Italiano, and how preservation and storytelling can reshape our understanding of identity.
Whether you're from Denver, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, this conversation is a reminder of how powerful our connections — and our stories — truly are.
📚 Learn more about Marianna and her book at ⁠www.mariannagatto.com⁠
🏛️ Explore the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles at ⁠www.iamla.org⁠
Instagram: @gattolosangeles