ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Heritage Museum is hosting a program at 6 p.m. Wednesday that will spotlight two pieces of Italian-American heritage in Bellaire.

Historian Dan Frizzi Jr. will uncover the history of the lesser-known Roma Theatre. Vince Gianangeli, past president of the Bellaire Sons of Italy Uguaglianza Lodge 754, will talk about its history and importance in Bellaire.

The event is part of the museum’s exhibit, “A Family’s Journey: From Italy to Belmont County.” The exhibit features the Italian immigrant experience of life in Belmont County, including the importance that the coal mining industry had in the decision to move to the USA for work opportunities post the Great War. Items on display include family photos, passports, health certificates from the 1920s, an ocean liner ticket, mining tools and photos, as well as a Bellaire High School diploma, yearbook and class ring from 1930.

In the early 20th century, immigrants in the Ohio Valley often formed close ties with those who shared their native language, foods and customs. Ordine Figli d’Italia, the Order Sons of Italy in America, was established by Italian immigrants for Italian immigrants who needed assistance when coming to the United States.

Lodges consolidated their resources to provide educational opportunities, assistance with the naturalization process, and other means of support.

Chartered in 1917, the Bellaire Lodge has been an integral part of the fabric of the Ohio Valley for over 100 years. In addition to supporting a number of local organizations, the lodge offers Italian language and cooking classes, a bocce league, regular social events complete with entertainment, and a weekly pasta dinner that is open to the public from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays at the lodge on Belmont Street.

Many remember the Bellaire theaters of the 20th century. The Capitol, the Temple, the Ohio, and the Elk Grand quickly come to mind. But there was another theater that was built by five Italian-Americans to serve the public, and in particular, the Italian community of Bellaire that was known as the Roma Theatre. This theater building still stands today in excellent condition as part of the business complex of Hughes Office Supply. This building was previously home to the Italian American Club known as the IOC for many years after the theater closed its operations as the NuRoma Theatre. Frizzi will present the story of the Roma Theatre as compiled by his cousin, Tom Ostasiewski, who is the only remaining grandson of one of the founders of this theater.

The Belmont County Heritage Museum is located in the historic former sheriff’s residence at 101 E. Main St. in St. Clairsville. In addition to the “A Family’s Journey: From Italy to Belmont County” exhibit, you will find displays about the county’s sheriffs, and artifacts from Belmont County communities representing their industries, landmarks and important historical figures. From the designer of the USS Constitution to a major role in the glass industry, discover hidden gems that Belmont County is proud to hold in its history.

The Belmont County Heritage Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and admission is free. “A Family’s Journey: From Italy to Belmont County” exhibit will be on display through Sept. 30. For more information about this exhibit and the Belmont County Heritage Museum, visit belmontcountyheritagemuseum.org or contact Cathryn Stanley, museum curator, at 740-298-7020.