In conjunction with the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, the National Museum of Italian Emigration (MEI) has paid tribute to the historic bond between Italy and the US by celebrating the figure of Marcella Hazan. The renowned chef and author, originally from Cesenatico, revolutionized food culture across the ocean, teaching millions of Americans to understand and appreciate authentic regional Italian cuisine.

The initiative ties directly into the official America250 program. For this special anniversary, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington inaugurated the immersive exhibition "In the Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness," selecting 250 symbolic objects from American history to tell the story of cultural integration. Among these is a single item tracing back to the Italian emigration experience: the small copper pan Hazan used to prepare zabaione. Her son Giuliano proudly recalled how his mother possessed the unique gift of bringing out the flavor of simple ingredients, forever changing the perception of Italian gastronomy in the United States.

The event, which celebrates food as a true bridge of cultural diplomacy, was joined by prestigious partners including the Center for American Studies and the Municipality of Cesenatico. The occasion also featured a clip from the documentary "Marcella" (2024), directed by Peter Miller. The film retraces the personal and professional journey of a woman with a degree in natural sciences who, despite not knowing how to cook before moving to New York in the 1950s, became the world's greatest ambassador of Made in Italy gastronomy.