WHAT: Introduction of  the Smithsonian’s Guide to Italian Exhibits and donation of Alitalia and World War II Italian Air Force flight clothing and uniforms

WHEN: Thursday, March 17, 10 a.m.

WHERE: World War II gallery, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W.

WHO:  J.R. Dailey, director, National Air and Space Museum
          Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, ambassador of Italy to the United States
          Federico Figus, donor of the collection
          Alex Spencer, curator aeronautics division

On the 150th anniversary of Italy’s Unification, March 17, 1861, the National Air and Space Museum will host the introduction of “The Smithsonian’s Guide to Italian Exhibits and Special 150th Anniversary Events at the Smithsonian Institution,” a brochure highlighting Italian artifacts on display and events taking place at the Institution. The brochure was produced by the Smithsonian’s Office of International Relations. This is part of ITALY@150, a series of events under the auspices of the President of the Italian Republic organized by the Embassy of Italy in Washington and throughout the United States to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Italy’s Unity.

A gift-signing ceremony, to mark the transfer to the museum of Federico Figus’ collection of Alitalia and World War II Italian Air Force flight clothing and uniforms, will also take place.

Capt. Felice Figus was an officer in the Italian Royal Air Force during World War II. He flew the Fiat CR42 and the Macchi 200, 202 and 205 and he was one of the last pilots to fly the Fiat G55 fighter plane before the armistice in 1943. During his distinguished career he flew in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, the Sicily campaign, six months in Russia and a stage in Sardinia and Turin. The Figus family is donating his flight suits and uniforms, flight books, medals and personal objects to the museum’s collection. The museum has one of only two remaining Macchi 202s; it is on display in the World War II gallery at the National Mall building.

Interested media must RSVP to larai@si.edu.