Benvenuti! Welcome to the Grand Lodge of California Website! As State President of the Grand Lodge of California, Order Sons of Italy in America, which encompasses local lodges in California, Western Nevada and Southern Oregon, it is my pleasure to have you visit our website. The Sons of Italy has a long and glorious history, from the founding of our National Lodge in New York City on June 22, 1905, to the founding of our first local lodge in Fresno on September 22, 1922, to the official founding of our California Grand Lodge on September 22, 1925, with our headquarters in San Francisco. Since then we have become the largest and longest-established national organization for American men and women of Italian ancestry in the United States. Our focus is on promoting our wonderful Italian history and culture, helping deserving young students study the Italian language through scholarships and various educational programs, acting as an advocacy group to support legislation and issues that are important to Americans of Italian extraction, and raising money for worthy causes that benefit the community at large.
Our Grand Lodge of California is well-known and respected for all of its programs and community participation. In turn, we are very proud to share our “Italianità” with other Italians and those non-Italians who would like to be part of our beautiful culture and enjoy our many diverse activities. We have many local lodges in our jurisdiction, and there should be one close to you that you can join. As State President, I hope you enjoy your online visit with us, and ask that you consider joining our organization, as we have several different membership levels to offer. As has been said many times, the world is divided into two groups…..those that are Italians and those who would like to be. If you are Italian, join to reinforce your pride in your heritage, and if you are not, join to become involved with a great group of people who will welcome you into the family. Grazie e Arrivederci!
Fraternally yours,
Maria Fassio Pignati, State President
Grand Lodge of California