History of C I A O

In 1992 a group of Italian American organizations banded together to form The Columbus 500.  Their purpose was to celebrate the 500-year anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus and to restore the Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The Columbus 500 committee disbanded after accomplishing its objectives.

In order to maintain the unity that was realized during the life of the Columbus 500 committee, C I A O was formed in 1996.  Its purpose is to promote unity and support of each others’ organizations through educational, cultural and social activities.  We feel that each one of our Italian American organizations fulfills an important role in the Pittsburgh community, and that it is vital to the success of all of the organizations that we have a forum to meet and share our projects, concerns and goals.