About the SITB: Società Italiana del Tiro al Bersaglio

The Oldest Italian-American Sharpshooting Club & Militia in the Americas

Founded in 1868 and formally incorporated in 1869, the Società Italiana del Tiro al Bersaglio (SITB) stands as a monumental pillar of New Orleans history. As the oldest Latin-heritage society in the United States with a recognized military lineage, we represent a unique fusion of mutual aid, cultural preservation, and civic defense.

A Legacy of State Recognition

Our society holds a rare distinction in Louisiana’s legislative history. Under Act 15 of 1892 (Section 1, Page 25 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes), the SITB was formally recognized by the state government as a Militia and Military Society. This law empowered the Governor of Louisiana to muster our members into military law enforcement service during times of public need—a testament to the discipline and trust placed in our organization.

The Early Years (1868–1870)

As the Italian population in New Orleans expanded, the SITB was established to meet the community's need for a "mutual beneficial society" that also maintained the elite traditions of Italian marksmen. Divided into civil and military branches, the society’s first headquarters were located at 18 Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter.

Our Founding Leadership (1870)

The society was led by the most influential professionals of the era, bridging the gap between Italian diplomacy and New Orleans commerce:

• Civil Leadership:

  • Fabio Sanminiatelli (President & Italian Consul)

  • Gennaro Miniere (Vice President)

  • Dr. G. Dell'Orto (Secretary & Physician)

  • Ulisse Bassette (Treasurer & Accountant)

• Military Command:

  • Captain A.J. Sansoni (Proprietor of the Exchange Saloon)

  • 1st Lt. Antonio Sidoti (Poydras Market Merchant)

  • 2nd Lt. Louis Torre (Merchant)

A Striking Presence in History

The SITB has long been recognized for its discipline and its iconic appearance, modeled after the Italian Bersaglieri.

A notable moment in our history occurred during the 1890 Funeral Procession of Jefferson Davis. Led by Captain Patorno, over one hundred men from three SITB companies marched to honor the President of the Confederacy. Observers noted that their dark olive-green uniforms and broad-brimmed black hats adorned with black feathers created a striking and prestigious contrast to the blue and gray uniforms of the other units.

Our Place in the Americas

The SITB is not merely a local club; it is one of the oldest Latin American organizations in the United States. By maintaining our charter for over 150 years, we preserve the history of the "citizen-soldier" and the essential role that Italian-American immigrants played in the legal and military fabric of the South.

Join the Tradition

We invite you to become a part of this living history. Whether you are drawn by the heritage of the Italian marksman, the history of Louisiana's militia, or the brotherhood of the oldest Latin society in the Americas, there is a place for you in the Società Italiana del Tiro al Bersaglio.

References:

• Louisiana Revised Statutes: Act 15 of 1892.

• Louisiana History, "Louisiana's Italian Immigrants," p. 61.

• New Orleans Directory, 1873 (p. 505) & Edward's Annual Directory, 1870 (p. 781).

The SITB  Società Italiana del Tiro al Bersaglio - The Oldest Italian American Sharpshooting Club

* In the LA Government Arhives - Act 15 1892 Sec. 1. Pg. 25 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes recognized the Society as a Militia and it could be mustered into military law enforcement service by the Governor.

According to a book entitled "Louisiana History" with a chapter on Louisiana's Italian Immigrants (page 61): "As the Italian population grew, there was a demand for a second society. Called "Tiro-al-Bersaglio" ("Hit the Target"), it was known as the Italian society and it was chartered on March 10, 1869. It was a mutual beneficial society and a marksmen's club, divided into civil and military branches. In 1870 the members met at 18 Royal Street in the French Quarter.

For the 1890 Funeral of Jefferson Davis, the Tiro Al Bersaglio officered by Captain Patorno marched in the parade to honor the President of the Confederate States of America. There were 3 companies with over one hundred men, rank and file.  Their dark olive-green uniforms and broad -brimmed, low crowned black hats, freely garnished with black feathers, contrasted strikingly with the blue and gray uniforms of those who preceded them.

We Invite you to join the oldest Italian Club and Militia in the Americas. Founded in 1868 and Incorporated in 1869. We are the oldest Latin American Society of which we were formerly recognized by the state government as a militia and military society.  Further, we are one of the oldest Latin American organizations in the United States of America.

In the year 1870, The civil officers of our society included: Fabio Sanminiatelli, president, the Italian consul as well; Gennaro Miniere, vice president; G. Dell'Orto, secretary, a physician; and Ulisse Bassette, treasurer, an accountant with the Knickerbocker Mutual Life Insurance Company.

The military officers were: A.J. Sansoni, captain and owner of the Exchange Saloon; Antonio Sidoti, first lieutenant and operator of fruit and vegetable stands in the Poydras Market; and Louis Torre, second lieutenant, a merchant." According to a footnote, the above information was taken from the New Orleans Directory, 1873 p. 505 and Edward's Annual Directory ... for 1870, p. 781.

* In the LA Government Arhives - Act 15 1892 Sec. 1. Pg. 25 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes recognized the Society as a Militia and it could be mustered into military law enforcement service by the Governor.