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Stay connected with International Institute of Buffalo happenings, news, interviews and other resources for the New American community and its supporters.

Buffalo History: The Harlow C. Curtiss Mansion

By History
The Harlow C. Curtiss Mansion 864 Delaware Avenue Location: 42° 54′ 26.95″ N, 78° 52′ 17.89″ W The International Institute of Buffalo headquarters, a striking three-story Georgian Revival mansion, stands proudly on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. This architectural gem, designed in 1898 by the renowned firm Esenwein & Johnson, is a testament to the city's rich architectural history. They are…
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Ana De Armas: Caribbean American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
As Caribbean American Heritage Month kicks off, we’re recognizing the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight award-winning actress Ana de Armas. Ana de Armas was born in April of 1988 in Havana, Cuba. Her father, a bank manager, and mother, a human resources professional, raised her and…
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Carl Djerassi: Jewish American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing scientist Dr. Carl Djerassi. Carl Djerassi was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1923. Born to physician parents, he spent his first five years in Bulgaria before moving back to…
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May 2026 Newsletter!

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our May 2026 Newsletter. Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi asks that you go to a festival and help an immigrant or refugee Save the Date! Our Refugees of Comedy event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 Congressman Tim Kennedy meets with community leaders at IIB We invite you to…
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Rhoda Magbitang: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Education, History
As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ends, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight award-winning executive chef, Rhoda Magbitang. Born in the Philippines, Rhoda Magbitang was raised in Antipolo City. As a child, Rhoda found deep inspiration in her…
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Jan Koum: Jewish American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Jan Koum, co-founder and former CEO of WhatsApp. Jan Borysovych Koum was born on February 24, 1976, near Kyiv, when Ukraine was a communist country influenced by the Soviet Union.…
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Japanese flag

Taste of Japan with IIB!

By Education, Events
Thursday, June 18, 2026 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM International Institute of Buffalo 864 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209 Free Parking    Tickets General Admission: $45 Good Neighbor Society Member: $35 Kids 6-12: $15 Kids 5 and Under: Free Enjoy a wonderfully festive night of Japanese culture featuring: A presentation by Honorary Consul to Japan Joe Koessler Japanese Tea Ceremony…
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Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Education, History
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing Japanese American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was born in Tokyo on September 27, 1950. His mother was a Japanese actress, and his…
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IIB Welcomes 16 New Americans from 11 Countries

By In the Community, News
We were honored to welcome 16 New Americans from 11 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at a special U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony at the Southtowns Family YMCA. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Canada, China, Congo, El Salvador, Israel, Pakistan, Philippines, Tajikistan. Click here to learn more about…
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William Steinberg: Jewish American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
  In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight William Steinberg, former music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO). William Steinberg was born Hans Wilhelm Steinberg in Cologne, Germany, on August 1, 1899. As a child, Steinberg…
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