In honor of the Columbus Day holiday, the White House Historical Association wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Italian craftsmen, workers, and artists who shaped White House history. Some were part of significant construction projects such as Francisco Iardella, who was born in Carrara, Italy, and is perhaps better known for his work in the U.S. Capitol Building. Did you know that he also carved several of the decorative tops of the White House's North Portico columns? Others such as Valentino Melah, who was born in the Kingdom of Two Sicilies (today southern Italy), served as steward of the White House for President Ulysses S. Grant and First Lady Julia Grant. In this role, Melah managed the household and its domestic staff, as well as attended to the president and first family’s needs. The White House Collection features many fine and decorative art pieces made by Italian artists such as Giuseppe Ceracchi and Francesco Anelli. Explore these stories and contributions further in today’s galley! Image 1: This payroll record shows expenditures for the President's House for July 1 to August 31, 1829. Francisco Iardella was paid for carving three caps during those two months. (@USNatArchives) Image 2: This hand-colored wood engraving of the State Dining Room by an unknown artist was made during the Ulysses S. Grant administration. The wood engraving captures a State Dinner held for the Joint High Commissioners on March 9, 1871. The man standing, left, with beard and mustache, is believed to be Valentino Melah. (WHHA/White House Collection) Image 3: This marble bust of explorer Christopher Columbus is by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ceracchi. Ceracchi sculpted many notable Americans, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. (WHHA/White House Collection) Image 4: This oil on canvas painting of Julia Gardiner Tyler was done by Francesco Anelli when Tyler was 26 years old. Julia Tyler was President John Tyler's second wife and served as first lady from June 26, 1844 to March 4, 1845. This portrait is believed to be the first “first lady” portrait given to the White House and the start of the first lady portraiture collection. (WHHA/White House Collection)