Resources on the Italian-American Experience

The Nobili Papers contain virtually all the documents of the early days of Santa Clara College. Request an appointment to view these materials in person in the Archives & Special Collections Reading Room.

The Nobili Papers digital collection contains documents of the early days of Santa Clara College. Included are financial records, legal papers, and correspondence with Church and State officials, parents, and merchants. All documents from the physical collection, with the exception of the1953 McGloin biography, are included.

Bishop Joseph S. Alemany to Fr. Nobili, Mar. 4, 1851. Item digitized from the Nobili papers and available online.

Alberto Francisco Porta, born in Mondovi, Italy in 1853, was a civil engineer and taught at Santa Clara in the early 20th Century. Make an appointment to consult these materials in the Archives & Special Collections Reading Room.

The Pellerano Family was originally from Italy and immigrated to the United States sometime in the last half of the nineteenth century. Follow this link to learn more about the family and access photographs, documents, and more.