Membership Overview
Membership in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (OSIA) is the lifeblood of this organization. It is IMPERATIVE to increase Membership in order that our Italian heritage and culture will continue to thrive.
History
The ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA (OSIA) is the largest and oldest organization in the United States for Italian-American men and women (their spouses, Italian-American or non-Italian-American) and their children.
Since 1905, the ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA (OSIA) has provided for the needs of the Italian-American community and has furthered the Italian culture in America. The organization was founded by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro in the Little Italy section of New York City. Further, OSIA was established with the purpose of supporting the assimilation of Italian immigrants into the American society.
On April 27, 1913, the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge was the third State Lodge to be chartered by OSIA. With the organization of local Lodges and youth Lodges, Pennsylvania became the largest state Lodge.
Purpose
The basic goal is to have Americans of Italian descent united under one banner so that the rich Italian culture could be preserved and shared with all Americans. In addition, it is to promote the image of Italian Americans within the framework of society in the United States of America.