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“Indicando la via al futuro” (Pointing the Way to the Future) is engraved on a monument depicting an Italian family by sculptor Marc-Anthony Massaro, installed in New Haven’s Wooster Square Park in 2024. Credit: William Iovanne, Co-Chair of the Wooster Square Monument Committee

Yes.

Connecticut has the highest percentage of residents with Italian ancestry in the United States, with about 15% of its population, or roughly 562,000 people, identifying as Italian American, according to 2023 data from World Population Review. Rhode Island follows closely with 14.6%, and New Jersey ranks third at 13%.

New York had the highest total population of Italian Americans at 2.2 million, which make up 11% of the state’s population. Connecticut ranks 10th in total population.

Italian immigration to Connecticut surged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as thousands arrived from southern Italy and Sicily seeking industrial jobs. They settled in cities like New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Britain, working in factories, on railroads and in construction. Over generations, Italian Americans helped shape the state’s economy, neighborhoods and culture.

Each October, the state celebrates that lasting legacy during Italian American Heritage and Culture Month.

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Reginald David is the Community Engagement Reporter for CT Mirror. He builds relationships across Connecticut to elevate community voices and deepen public dialogue around local issues. Previously, he was a producer at KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR station, where he created community-centered programming, led live event coverage for major events like the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, and Royals Opening Day, and launched KC Soundcheck, a music series spotlighting local and national artists. Reginald has also hosted special segments, including an in-depth interview with civil rights leader Alvin Brooks and live community coverage on issues like racial segregation and neighborhood development. He began his public media career as an ‘Integrity in News’ intern at WNPR in Hartford.