The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the oldest, largest, and most demographically diverse organization of Americans of Italian heritage in North America.
OSIA was established in Little Italy neighborhood of New York City by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, MD., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dr. Sellaro wanted to unite Italians into one large fraternal organization for the purposes of organizing Italian immigrants and their descendents to promote social, charitable, civic, educational, and patriotic endeavors. His dream came to fruition on June 22, 1905 when he and five fellow immigrants created "L'Ordine Figli D'Italia in America", which was incorporated as the Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Italy in America.
During its history OSIA has been involved in promoting immigration legislation; assisting in the assimilation process; supporting cooperation, trade, and diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy; initiating social and fraternal events; encouraging educational achievement through scholarships; serving local communities through a variety of cultural events and raising funds for local charities; and providing low-cost group financial investments and insurance programs for the benefits of the members nationwide.
OSIA works to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Americans with Italian descent and now the organization represents 23 million men and women of Italian descent across the continent.
OSIA has 20 Grand Lodges and more than 700 state, regional and local chapters in the United States and Canada, which individually sponsor their own programs and activities.
The Grand Lodge of Florida of the Order of Sons of Italy in America
is a fraternal organization that derives its origin and its
existence from the Supreme Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in
America, and was created by the State of Florida in 1953, under the
authority of the Supreme Lodge, and in conformity with its
Constitution and its By-laws. The Grand Lodge of Florida exercises
jurisdiction over all lodges and members of the Order within the
confines of the State.
There are numerous regional lodges throughout the State of Florida. Panama City's lodge, marks the 45th to be added to the
State's group of Lodges.
With the participation of our members, our lodge expects to do great
things to further the purposes of our founders.
For a timeline of OSIA, please refer to the following
website:
http://www.osia.org/public/pdf/CSJ_History_Timeline.pdf
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Official Emblem: A Golden Lion in a Field of White
Official Motto: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
Official Color: Purple
Official Language: English and Italian; Both may be used in the course of our meetings.
Official Holiday: The official holiday of the Order as proclaimed by the Supreme Lodge is October 12th of each year, which commemorates the anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.