About Us

The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia (AISPHILA) is a non-profit organization, with the purpose of promoting, by educational and cultural means, an international friendship between the Republic of Italy and the United States of America. The organization offers a series of lectures, films, concerts, and language studies to promote a broader understanding of the Italian cultural and artistic heritage.

It was founded in 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, largely through the creative and dynamic leadership of Dr. Giovanni Luciolli, who was Consul General of Italy of Philadelphia at that time, with the help of John Price, who went on to become the long-time president of the Society.
Today, the organization has several hundred members in the greater Philadelphia region.
The AIS has been involved in several restoration projects over time. One of the earliest projects was CRIA (Committee to Rescue Italian Art), a committee that formed following the 1966 Flood of the Arno River, to rescue and restore artwork that was affected by the flood. The committee was composed of art historians, curators, and conservators.
In 1980, following the earthquake that devastated many mountain villages east of Naples, the society funded and built a center for older citizens who had survived but lost everything.

John S. Price

On February 22, 2014, our President, John S. Price, passed away at the age of 90. He was involved with the America-Italy Society of Philadelphia since the very beginning, and served as President since 1969. He was the driving force behind our success, particularly with the Amerita Chamber Players and the restoration of Venetian art. We are deeply saddened by his passing and will remember his involvement with us during future events.

These photos show Mr. Price leading a group through a Tuscan Villas and Gardens tour in 1968. He planned these tours for many years to share his admiration for Italian architecture and composition with members of the Society.

Board of Directors

Katherine Warriner (2025), President of the Board - Director, Officer of Private Committees for the Safeguard of Venice and Scholarships and Awards
Ute Striker (2023), President Emerita
Robyn Leto (2023), Co-Vice-President - Officer of Fundraising
Diane Fasce-Meleski (2025), Co-Vice-President - Directors of Private Committees for the Safeguard of Venice
Blaise Tobia (2025), Treasurer - Professor Emeritus Art & Art History, Drexel University,
Nancy Bean (2025) - Music Director of the Amerita Chamber Players
C. Brian Rose (2025) - Director, Officer of Fundraising. Officer of Scholarships and Awards
Patrizia Germano (2025) - Director, Officer of Scholarships and Awards