The Nicholas P. Ciotola Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection consists of reproductions of photographs of Italian-American individuals, families, and businesses in Albuquerque. There are reproductions of advertisements for Italian-American run businesses in Albuquerque, and postcards of various Albuquerque landmarks. The items in the collection were compiled for inclusion in Nicholas P. Ciotola's book, Italians in Albuquerque. The date range of the collection spans from the late 1800s, when the first Italians arrived in Albuquerque, to the 1970s. The majority of the items date to the first half of the 20th century. The collection organization is modeled on the chapters in the book Italians in Albuquerque. The first folder is The Old World and the New. The items in this folder explore the experiences of many of Albuquerque's Italian immigrants in both Italy and the United States, and the events that made them decide to leave their native land. Photographs include images of Italy as well as experiences during their voyages from Italy to the United States. The next, Working in Albuquerque, illustrates the lives and jobs of several Italian-Americans in Albuquerque. The items show interior and exterior views of several Italian-American workplaces, including Napoleon's Garage, the Sanitary Bakery, the Pastime Theatre, Franchini Brothers' Wholesale and Retail store, the Savoy Hotel, the Super Service Station, and the KiMo Theatre. A highlight of this section is a photograph of Ginger Rogers at the KiMo Theatre. Stories of Success, the third folder, documents the growth and development of several businesses started by Italian immigrants in Albuquerque, such as the Paris Shoe Store, the Porto Rico Saloon and Grocery, the Champion Grocery and Meat Market, and the Palms Beer Garden and Grocery. In the fourth folder, The Italian Community, items show various activities of the Italian-Americans community in Albuquerque. There are several photographs of Columbus Hall, an Italian-American community center and social gathering place, and pictures of outings made by Italian-Americans to locations in the Sandia and Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. The final folder, Ties to the Old World: Religion and Family, contains photographs of various Italian-American clergymen in Albuquerque, churches and parochial schools frequented by the Italian community, and various religious ceremonies, especially weddings. There are several photographs of events that took place at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and one postcard showing San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town.
