IAP 167: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame with Special Guest NIASHF President Ron Onesti

For many of us, looking ahead to the year 2021 represents a possible return to "normal"… but in the heart of one of Chicago's Little Italy neighborhoods, a more than 40 year-old Italian American institution is gearing up to reclaim its rightful spot on the Italian American map! This week, host John Viola is sitting down with longtime friend, and newly-appointed president of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, Ron Onesti, to share an intimate conversation about this proud Italian American landmark. They'll share Hall history, and personal recollections of the Hall of Fame's inimitable founder, the late George Randazzo, and examine some of the more unique items that make up this museum's one-of-a-kind collection of Italian Americana! And, in some exciting news, they'll discuss the Hall of Fame's upcoming move into a brand-new museum headquarters in Chicago's Harlem Avenue Little Italy section, an exciting and much celebrated next chapter for an organization that faced an unclear future just a few short years ago. They'll dig deep into the Hall's story and ask important questions about sports, community, character, and why the history of Italian Americans in sports might be our community's best tool to fight racial injustice. This personal conversation is filled with information and affection -- if you're looking for an early dose of 2021's "Good News," consider this an episode you won't want to miss!