"Congrega S. Michele Arcangelo..."; 
Silk, faille, grosgrain, taffeta, satin, muslin, early 20th century; 
AIHA Collection: Gift of Italian American Cultural Foundation

Common threads run through the lives of immigrants in 19th and 20th century Albany. Chief among these was the importance of religion in immigrants living in both Italy and America. Basic to worship and tradition were a variety of beliefs, customs and festivals which played a role in peoples' everyday lives. Many of these beliefs and customs became the foundation for the establishment in Albany of a Roman Catholic parish for Italians. Established in 1904, St. Anthony's Church quickly became the center of Italian American religious life in Albany. 

This banner was one of many hand-made for members of church religious societies, displayed in St. Anthony's Church and carried in processions during festivals. "San Michele" was associated with the end of summer and harvest in many regions of Italy. 

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