Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America

The Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) was founded in 1930 and currently has over 120 lodges throughout the country. The purpose of the organization is to perpetuate Italian American culture and values by sponsoring social, civic and cultural events and programs. It seems to be a split-off of the Order of the Sons of Italy. The Order ISDA was organized in 1960 by Italian Americans and chartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Membership is open to all persons of Italian descent, married to an Italian, or interested in furthering the interests of Italians. An important function of the Association is the financial security of members and their families through life insurance. Membership in the Association is simultaneous with issuance of life insurance. The ISDA Fraternal Association provides social contacts and charitable activities through its Lodges, which are located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, Michigan, Florida, California, Illinois and Indiana. The OISDA is located at 419 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

From the description of Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America records, 1929-1950s. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 30794607

Founded in 1930, the Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) embraced the mission of fostering Italian American culture and values through the organization of events and programs for its members. Upon its founding, the ISDA offered membership to all persons of Italian descent in America. As time passed however, the ISDA opened membership to those who married to an individual of Italian descent or to anyone who fostered a passion for Italian American culture. Although founded in 1930, the ISDA was officially chartered in 1960 by its members in Pittsburgh, Pa. Beyond fostering various social and cultural events for its members, this fraternal organization also adopted the mission of providing active members with financial security in the event that they could not support themselves. In particular, the ISDA has dedicated itself to offering death and insurance benefits to its members. Since its founding, ISDA regional lodges have extended throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, Michigan, Florida, California, Illinois and Indiana. While ISDA lodges in each state annually convene for a convention, ISDA lodges across the country meet biennially at a national convention. As of the writing of this finding aid, the central offices of the ISDA are located in Pittsburgh, Pa.

From the description of Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America records 1932-1962 [manuscript] (Historical Society of W Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 780083822