



The Fredericksburg Este Association nurtures friendship and cultural understanding between Fredericksburg and its sister city, Este, Italy, through exchanges,
programs and events.
LATEST NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Free Lecture on Richmond's Columbus Statue Restoration presented by
The Fredericksburg-Este Association
Friday, February 28, at 6:30 pm




Photos from left to right: Before and After Reclaimation and Restoration, John Corritone and Richmond sculptor, Paul Dipasquale
The reclamation and restoration of Richmond’s Columbus statue, erected in 1926 in Byrd Park, is the subject of a free lecture by John Corritone, of the Italian-American Cultural Association of Virginia. The talk is scheduled for Friday, February 28, at 6:30 pm at St. George’s Church, 905 Princess Anne Street, George Street entrance. The Fredericksburg-Este Association, the Italian sister city group, sponsors the program. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30; the lecture begins at 7. The program is free; donations are welcome.
​
In May 2020, during the national wave of George Floyd riots, Richmond’s Christopher Columbus statue was defaced, graffitied, and ripped from its podium. Finally it was thrown into a small lake in Byrd Park, where it had stood since 1926. The statue was recovered from the lake and stored in a secure place.
​
In 2022, the sculpture was given to the Italian American Cultural Association of Virginia. John Corritone, a member, headed the effort to restore the work and find a place for Columbus to be given a permanent home. Corritone successfully headed up the fundraising effort for the project, which he also directed.
​
Corritone called on famed Richmond sculptor, Paul Dipasquale, creator of Richmond’s Arthur Ashe sculpture and King Neptune in Virginia Beach, who oversaw the project and repaired the statue. Finally, in September 2024, the project was completed with the installation of Columbus at the Rockland County Order of the Sons of Italy Lodge in Blauvelt, New York, just north of the City.
​
Corritone will recount the process of the statue’s restoration. He will be joined by Paul Dipasquale, the sculptor, who will speak about the role that statues and monuments play in contemporary society.
Fredericksburg-Este Conversational Italian Get-Togethers
In July, the Fredericksburg-Este Association organized conversational Italian get-togethers to help beginners learn the language and allow others to improve their knowledge of Italian. A good time was enjoyed by all as they enjoyed good company and delicious Italian food and wine.
Vuoi parlare italiano? There are two opportunities: dinner (to accommodate those who work during the day) or lunch. The dinners will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and the lunches on the third Thursday of the month at noon. Everyone is welcome, no matter how much or little they may speak Italian. For more information, please contact Jackie Boice at jacklynboice@gmail.com or (540) 891-2814.
Become a Member of the Fredericksburg-Este Association
Download Application Here
Individual – $25.00


Family – $35.00


Sustaining – $100.00


Fredericksburg and Este: Much in Common



Population of Fredericksburg: 19,000
60 miles from Washington, DC
Near large body of water
Historically Rich, and actively involved in
Preserving Heritage
Active Arts Community: Painting, Weaving, Photography, Ceramics
Nearby Wineries and Farming
Restaurants, Tourism, Festivals
Light Manufacturing and Small Businesses
Successful Sister City Involvement
Population of Este: 17,000
60 miles from Venice
Near large body of water
Historically Rich, and actively involved in Preserving Heritage
Active Arts Community: Photography, Ceramics
Wineries and Agricultural Heritage
Restaurants, Tourism, Festivals
Light Manufacturing and Small Businesses
Successful Sister City Involvement
The Fred-Este Blog








