Portuguese Heritage Subcommittee records (MSS-0043)

Biographical/Historical Note

The Portuguese Heritage Subcommittee was founded by Dr. Patrick T. Conley, chairman of the Rhode Island Bicentennial Commission in 1975. It was incorporated in 1977, by the Rhode Island Heritage Commission, successor to the state Bicentennial Commission. Governor J. Joseph Garrahy established the Heritage Commission “to cultivate and preserve the pride of ethnic heritage of citizens of the state.” Clara Azza served as the first chairperson before taking a leave of absence in 1979. In 1980, Mariana Pierannunzi was appointed as chairperson and resigned in 1983. She was also the first woman elected president of the Portuguese Cultural Association of Rhode Island. Events organized by the Subcommittee include meetings at the State House, Heritage Day festivals, a slide presentation of São Miguel, Peter Francisco Day, arts and crafts exhibit, and Dia de Portugal, de Camões. The Portuguese Heritage Subcommittee disbanded circa 1983.