Restore Columbus Statue in Ohio’s Capital

In 2020, amid civil unrest, the City of Columbus removed its historic Columbus statue and placed it in storage. What had stood for decades as a symbol of heritage, international relations and civic identity was taken down without a vote or public input. Today, the statue remains hidden, even as the city continues to proudly bear the Columbus name.

A federal lawsuit has been filed by attorney George Bochetto on behalf of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Foundation (FOCCF.org) — a new Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit founded by Jack Conte — and the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO.org), a nationwide Italian American advocacy coalition. Their goal is simple: return the statue to public view.

A Gift From Genoa, Celebrated by Thousands

This is no ordinary monument.

In 1955, the City of Genoa, Christopher Columbus’s birthplace, gifted the 20-foot bronze sculpture to the City of Columbus as a gesture of international friendship. Cast by renowned Italian artist Edoardo Alfieri, the statue was unveiled before thousands of residents and stood for nearly 65 years as a reminder of the sister-city bond between Genoa and Columbus.

Removing it erased not just a statue, but a symbol of goodwill shared across generations.

Why Columbus Monuments Matter

The story of Columbus statues in America begins with tragedy.

In 1891, 11 innocent Italian immigrants were murdered in New Orleans by the largest lynch mob ever to assemble on U.S. soil. To promote healing and unity, then-U.S. President Benjamin Harrison declared the first national Columbus Day in 1892, using Columbus as a unifying symbol to encourage acceptance of immigrants.

For persecuted Italian Americans, Columbus statues became markers of dignity and belonging during a period of profound discrimination. The Columbus, Ohio statue is part of that history.

A Proven Defender of Heritage

Attorney George Bochetto has a strong record of protecting Italian American history. He, along with COPOMIAO President Basil M. Russo, restored Columbus Day in Philadelphia (2025) and halted the removal of the Columbus statue in Pittsburgh (2024).

Bochetto, Russo and Conte are now leading the charge in Columbus, Ohio.

How You Can Help

Legal action requires significant resources. Your donation supports:

• The federal lawsuit to restore the Columbus statue

• The preservation of Italian American and American history

• Fair and transparent treatment of public art

• The historic bond between Columbus, Ohio and Genoa, Italy

Our history deserves its day in court, please donate today!