Starting in the late 1800s, immigrants from Germany, Syria, and Greece began arriving in the city of Florence. Many were entrepreneurs who sought to build new lives in America as merchants, candy manufacturers, and restaurateurs. As their businesses grew in popularity and success, names that were once foreign to native Florentines, such as Baroody, Saleeby, Kuker, Cohen, and Palles, gradually became commonplace throughout the city. Descendants of these and other immigrant families can still be found in and around Florence today. Visitors are invited to learn various local immigrant stories & reflect on how their contributions shaped Florence as we know it today.

Lasting Presence opens to the public beginning Tuesday, April 14. This exhibition is made possible by 2025 membership contributions.