During the 2025-2026 academic year, Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture celebrates the enduring nature of Italian culture and civilization with programming highlighting perseverantia, which is the motto of Fitchburg State University. The Latin term perseverantia carries a range of meanings, including steadfastness, perseverance, and even obstinacy. In keeping with the university’s motto, our 2025-2026 programming will highlight individuals, events, practices, and traditions that exemplify the lasting quality of Italian culture and civilization.
October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
Each October, the United States recognizes the many important contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans by celebrating Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. Italian-Americans have played significant roles that have helped to shape the social, cultural, economic, and political fabric of the United States, leaving indelible marks on many aspects of American life. Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month provides an opportunity to celebrate these invaluable contributions.
For the month of October, the Center for Italian Culture has several events planned. We hope that you will join us!
The First King: Birth of an Empire (Il primo re) (2019)
To mark the beginning of Italian-American Heritage Month, the Center for Italian Culture will screen the Italian action and adventure film, The First King: Birth of an Empire (Il primo re) (2019). This historical drama, which was directed by Matteo Rovere, presents the classic story of two brothers destined to found the greatest empire the world has ever seen – but only one can rule! This action-packed cinematic re-telling of the story of Romulus and Remus is set in the 8th century BC. All of the dialogue in the film is spoken in archaic Latin, an early form of the Latin language of ancient Rome. English subtitles will be provided.
The First King: Birth of an Empire (Il primo re) (2019) will screen on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 3:30 p.m. in the Ellis White Lecture Hall (Hammond Hall, Rm. G-01). Admission is free and open to the public.
[The First King movie poster]
Un’altra serata trivia Italian-American Trivia Night
[Un’altra serata trivia poster]
[Un’altra serata trivia link]
After the success of last year’s trivia night, the Center for Italian Culture invites you to join us again for un’altra serata trivia – another exciting evening of food, fun, and trivia that will test your knowledge of all things Italian!
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.)
Location: Falcon Pub, Hammond Hall
Cost: $10
What to Expect:
- Team Trivia Fun: Participants will compete in teams of six, so gather your friends or make new ones on the spot! Whether you're an expert in Italian history, culture, or food – or just here for a good time – this event is for you!
- Tasty Treats: Your ticket price includes participation in the trivia competition and a delicious selection of cicchetti (Italian-style appetizers) prepared by Chartwells.
- Italian Drinks: A variety of Italian wines and beers will be available for purchase at the Falcon Pub bar.
- Prizes and Laughter: With exciting prizes up for grabs, plenty of laughs, and great company, you won’t want to miss this evening of friendly competition celebrating the enduring contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to history, politics, the arts and culture!