HISTORY
Originally called Ordine Figli d’Italia, the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA) was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance with assimilation in America.
Since its inception, the Order Sons of Italy (OSIA) in America has continued to modify its approach to address the needs of those of Italian descent. They have not let down their vigilance in regards to anti-defamation. OSIA members have contributed over $164 million to various charities, relief funds, scholarships, and programs related to Italian culture and heritage.
The Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA) in 2017. In 2024, the official logo was changed to reflect its rich heritage and modern vision
THE MARYLAND GRAND LODGE
The Order Sons of Italy in America, began in Maryland with the formation of the Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #183, in April 1913. Additional local Lodges soon followed and membership continued to grow, which qualified Maryland to institute the Grand Lodge of Maryland on July 18,1920.
The Grand Lodge of Maryland provides the essential link between our National Headquarters and our local lodges. Some of the duties facilitated by the Grand Lodge include: the dissemination of information regarding national issues that are of importance to those of Italian heritage, fundraising, and technical support to maintain standard operating procedures in conjunction with our local lodges.
The Grand Lodge of Maryland also provides scholarships to eligible Maryland residents of Italian ancestry, and coordination throughout the state with other Italian-American groups. The Grand Lodge also sponsors annual events such as a Columbus Day dinner, Italian Heritage Day at Ripken stadium and a crab feast.
The Grand Lodge also publishes a quarterly newsletter, the II Giornale, which keeps OSDIA members in Maryland aware of activities throughout the state.
HARFORD COUNTY LODGE
The Lodge holds monthly meetings on the 4th Monday of the month in the Newport Room at the home of the Knights of Columbus located at 23 Newport Drive in Forest Hill. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM. In addition to conducting Lodge business, guest speakers are invited to share information on various topics such as genealogy, health issues, and Italian history.
Harford County Lodge is proud to participate in the Maryland Grand Lodge Scholarship Program which was established to provide financial assistance for qualified students of Italian ancestry. Students of Italian ancestry must be American citizens and either be a member of, or be related to, a member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy.
Harford County Lodge also provides financial support to various charities, non-profit groups and organizations.
The Lodge publishes a quarterly newsletter and also has a Facebook page that you may visit at:
Sons and Daughters of Italy (L’Ordine Figli d’Italia.) Harford County