Ethnic Heritage Museum honors the Church of St. Anthony Feb. 6

From press release

From 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 6, the Italian Gallery of the Ethnic Heritage Museum will unveil its newest exhibit, “Celebrating the Italian Church of St. Anthony of Padua’s 100-year history!”

The Church of St. Anthony is at 1010 Ferguson St., in Rockford. The Parish was established in 1909 by the Rev. Anthony V. Marchesano, who was ordained for the Diocese of Cefalu, Italy. He was called to the Rockford Diocese by Bishop Muldoon in 1909 to minister to the Italian immigrants. Fr. Marchesano died Aug. 26, 1929.

The church is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Rockford. Work on the Church of St. Anthony was completed and the dedication took place at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 23, 1910 at Mass.

Sunday, Feb. 13, join in hearing the beautiful music of the early 1900s. See the early banners celebrating the various Sicilian societies and listen to stories about the street processions and banners waving. Sample delicious light Italian refreshments.

Sarah Tarara and Sally LaMendola Cicero (who were children in the processions) will be present to talk about the old days of singing and walking in the streets around St. Anthony of Padua Church. This special event will start at 2:30 p.m.

The Ethnic Heritage Museum at 1129 S. Main St. is unique in its blend of ethnic groups: African-American, Polish, Italian, Lithuanian, Irish and Hispanic. A visit to each gallery will enlighten visitors of the cultural traditions and values of each of these groups.

“Celebrating the Italian Church of St. Anthony of Padua’s 100-year history!” exhibit will be on display every Sunday until the end of March. Admission is free to the public, but donations are appreciated.

For more information, visit ethnicheritagemuseum.org or e-mail ehm1129@comcast.net. Group tours can be arranged by contacting the museum at (815) 962-7402 or e-mailing ehm1129@comcast.net.

The museum is handicap accessible.