Bridging Worlds: The Filangieri-Franklin Letters and Their Legacy for Italian-Americans

This presentation explores the historical correspondence between Gaetano Filangieri, a luminary of the Italian Enlightenment, and Benjamin Franklin, an architect of American democracy, highlighting its relevance for Italian-Americans. Through their exchange, we uncover a deep connection between Italian and American thought, emphasizing shared values of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge. This dialogue not only bridged the Atlantic but also laid the groundwork for enduring cultural ties between Italy and the United States. For Italian-Americans, the Filangieri-Franklin letters symbolize the intertwined heritage and mutual ideals that continue to influence our communities, demonstrating the importance of this transatlantic partnership in fostering a sense of unity and shared identity and in setting an example for the construction of Europe.