The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles Announces Hiring of Executive Director

A lifelong resident of Los Angeles, Gatto previously served as curator of history, education and museums for the City of Los Angeles. During her years with the City, Gatto wrote education programs that are currently used in the region's schools, was responsible for museum administration and curated several acclaimed exhibitions, including Sunshine and Struggle: the Italian American Experience in Los Angeles, which has since traveled to the Capital Museum in Sacramento, amongst other cities.

Gatto is a historian of the Italian American community of Los Angeles, the fifth largest Italian community in the nation, and the author of Los Angeles's Little Italy, which presents a history of the city's vibrant Italian enclave following the arrival of the city's first Italian pioneer in 1827. Gatto attended UCLA and CSULA, graduating magna cum laude with degrees in Social Science and History and a teaching credential in secondary education.

She has worked with the Historic Italian Hall Foundation on the Italian American Museum project for five years and in the Italian community for fifteen. As Executive Director, Gatto is responsible for the development, execution and management of the Italian American Museum and its associated programs and outreach. The Italian American Museum is pleased to welcome Gatto as the newest addition to its team.

About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles

The Italian American Museum is located in the Italian Hall, a historic building in downtown Los Angeles that was constructed in 1908 to serve as a social and cultural center for the Italian community. Situated in what was once the core of the city's Little Italy, the Italian Hall was the site of countless events for half a century. Today, the Italian Hall is the oldest surviving structure in Los Angeles built specifically for Italian occupancy.

About the Historic Italian Hall Foundation

The Historic Italian Hall Foundation is a charitable, non- profit corporation that acts as a support group and community link for the museum, raising money through grants and contributions from individuals, corporations and organizations.

The Mission of the Historic Italian Hall Foundation

The Mission of the Historic Italian Hall Foundation is to foster a deeper understanding of Southern California's diverse heritage through research, historic preservation, exhibitions and educational programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in multi-ethnic Los Angeles and the United States. For more information please visit www.italianhall.org.