Wilmington Debates Fate of Controversial Columbus Statue

Italian American community rallies to return statue to public display despite Columbus' troubled legacy

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:11am

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A statue of Christopher Columbus has been in storage in Wilmington, Delaware for nearly six years after being removed from public display in 2020 amid racial justice protests. The statue, which was erected in 1957 by the local Italian American community, has become a flashpoint, with some calling for its return to honor the city's Italian heritage and others opposing the public display of a figure linked to colonialism and oppression. The debate has highlighted the complex and evolving legacy of Columbus, as well as the deep ties between the statue and Wilmington's Italian American community.

Why it matters

The fate of the Columbus statue reflects broader debates over how to reckon with historical figures whose legacies are both celebrated and contested. For Wilmington's Italian American community, the statue represents an important part of their cultural identity and history of immigration, but for others, it is a symbol of oppression that should not be publicly displayed. The resolution of this issue will shape how the city grapples with its complex past and the competing narratives around figures like Columbus.

The details

The 1,200-pound bronze statue of Columbus was erected in 1957 after a parade and celebration organized by the local Italian American community. It stood at the intersection of Franklin Street and Pennsylvania Avenue until 2020, when it was removed amid racial justice protests that saw the toppling of Columbus statues in other cities. The statue technically belongs to the Christopher Columbus Monument Committee, which had maintained it for decades, but it is currently in storage in New Castle, Delaware.

  • The Columbus statue was erected on October 12, 1957 - Columbus Day.
  • The statue was removed from public display in 2020 amid racial justice protests.

The players

Christopher Columbus Monument Committee

The organization that had maintained the Columbus statue in Wilmington for decades and technically owns the statue.

Mike Panfile

President of the Christopher Columbus Monument Committee in Wilmington.

Al Greto

An attorney and member of the Italian heritage charity Societa da Vinci, who has been leading the charge to get the Columbus statue returned to public display.

Shané Darby

A Wilmington City Council member who sponsored a resolution against the public display of the Columbus statue, calling him the father of 'oppression' and 'imperialism'.

Chris Johnson

A Wilmington City Council member who represents the city's Little Italy neighborhood and said he supports what the local community wants regarding the Columbus statue.

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What they’re saying

“If we do find a spot soon, why would we move it twice?”

— Mike Panfile, President, Christopher Columbus Monument Committee

“I'm fixed on taking ownership of the history and if there's bad baggage, deal with it. Educate people on it. Educate people on the Italian American community's perspective of it. We don't condone that kind of stuff.”

— Al Greto, Attorney and member, Societa da Vinci

“It's just very insensitive in the times we're in.”

— Shané Darby, Wilmington City Council member

“I support what the neighborhood wants.”

— Chris Johnson, Wilmington City Council member

What’s next

The Christopher Columbus Monument Committee has not yet approved any plans to move the statue from storage, but is considering options for its future public display. Wilmington City Council recently defeated a resolution opposing the statue's return, signaling that the local government may be open to allowing the statue to be placed on private property if the Italian American community desires it.

The takeaway

The debate over the Columbus statue in Wilmington highlights the complex and evolving legacy of the explorer, as well as the deep cultural significance he holds for the city's Italian American community. While some see the statue as a symbol of oppression, others view it as an important part of their heritage and history of immigration. Resolving this issue will require balancing these competing narratives and finding a way to acknowledge the full scope of Columbus' legacy.