In October 1948, the Society was restructured, at a meeting in Venice, to give total autonomy to all chapters of the Dante Society so each could conduct its activities independently, under the direction of its own elected officers, in a manner that best suited local needs, preferences, and capacities while adhering to the Society's basic principles. The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington was reorganized in the early 1970's to promote Italian language and culture in the state of Washington. The Society holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, September through May, at Headquarters House in Seattle. The first meeting each month is in English and is preceded by an Italian pasta meal organized and prepared in a group effort at a nominal charge. The second monthly meeting is in Italian.
Members take turns preparing antipasti for the group.
Click here for a calendar page of events for 2001-2002. In addition to the regular meetings, the Society sponsors and promotes other social and cultural events involving Italian language and culture. Festa di Natale celebrates the Christmas traditions of Italy, Carnevale invokes memories of Venetian pre-lenten festivities, and Festa Primavera provides an opportunity for us to recognize those who have contributed to Italian culture and award scholarships for further Italian study. The Society supports and participates in Seattle's Festa Italiana each Fall season and has been part of the All-Italian picnic held each summer in conjunction with other Italian clubs in western Washington. The Society also promotes and organizes various small group events throughout the year, such as cooking classes, Italian conversation meetings, outings to opera, other festivals, restaurants, art exhibits, Italian film showings, and other activities of interest to members.