The Italian Historical Society of America is a non-profit educational and research corporation, under the leadership of John J. LaCorte, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Philosophy (former Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies) at California State University, Dominguez Hills. His father, John N. LaCorte, founded the Society in 1949 to overcome negative stereotypes by popularizing the lives of the many Italians who have made significant contributions to Western Civilization, and to inspire others who learn of these great achievements. The motto of the Society is Inspiratio per Exemplum, "Inspiration through Example."

The Society has begun to direct its energies and resources toward reaching a wider audience through the use of video, computer technologies, and evolving electronic media; and is also focusing on the development of educational materials, made available to schools, that bring an awareness of the significant contributions that the Italian culture has brought to our way of life.