Our Story
Who We Are
Italian Heritage Lodge #2517 is a group of Italian-Americans in Northern Virginia who have been gathering, eating, and celebrating their heritage together for over 50 years. We're part of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America — but mostly, we're just family.
Our History
How It All Started
Lodge 2517 was founded because Italian-Americans in Northern Virginia wanted a place to gather — somewhere to share a meal, speak a little Italian, and make sure their kids and grandkids knew where they came from. That's still exactly what we do.
Over the decades, the Lodge has become a real fixture in the Fairfax community. We march in the July 4th parade, host Columbus Day dinner, run a bocce league, and meet monthly for the Lunch Bunch — a casual outing to a local Italian restaurant that members look forward to every month. Our Italian Language Group meets in members' homes to practice conversation and keep the language alive.
Our newsletter, La Bandiera (The Banner), has been keeping members connected for years — sharing event news, member milestones, and the stories that make this community what it is.
Our Organization
Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America
Founded in 1905, OSDIA is the largest Italian-American organization in the country. Lodge 2517 is a proud member of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Through OSDIA, our members are connected to a national network of hundreds of lodges, scholarship programs, and cultural initiatives that keep Italian-American heritage alive across generations.
Visit OSIA.orgLodge Life
What We're Up To
Monthly Dinners & Socials
We gather at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fairfax for dinner, conversation, and whatever's on the agenda. It's the heart of Lodge life.
Italian Language Group
A small group meets monthly in members' homes to practice Italian conversation. All levels welcome — even if your Italian is mostly food words.
Lunch Bunch
A casual monthly lunch at a local Italian restaurant. Good food, no agenda. One of the most popular things we do.
Columbus Day Celebration
Our annual Columbus Day dinner is a Lodge tradition — Italian food, a little history, and a room full of people who are proud of where they came from.
Annual Scholarship Banquet
Every year we celebrate the students in our community heading to college. It's one of our proudest nights.
Bocce & the July 4th Parade
We play bocce, we march in the Fairfax City July 4th Parade, and we show up for our community. It's what we do.
Find Us
Where We Meet
Knights of Columbus Hall, St. Leo the Great
We meet at the Knights of Columbus Hall at St. Leo the Great in Fairfax. Check the events calendar for upcoming meeting dates — and come hungry.
Lodge Documents
Official Documents
The following documents are available for members and prospective members to review.
Lodge Bylaws
Official bylaws of Italian Heritage Lodge #2517, signed February 2023.
Membership Application Form
Official membership application for Italian Heritage Lodge #2517, revised May 2026. Print, complete, and return to a lodge officer.
Lodge History
A written history of Italian Heritage Lodge #2517 as of October 2006.
There's Always Room at the Table
If you have Italian roots — or just love Italian culture — we'd love to have you. Come to a meeting, share a meal, and see if it feels like home.