Justine Mataleno-Clerc was born and raised in the “Little Italy” section of Wilmington. She received her education in the local schools and then graduated from the University of Delaware, majoring in Arts and Sciences.

Because of Justine’s years of dedicated service to the Delaware Italian-American community, she is considered its historian.

While employed by the Winterthur Museum and Gardens, Justine became interested in local history, especially that of the Italian-American population in Delaware. She organized a history course about Delaware Italian-American history at the University of Delaware with Professor Bernard Herman. Her research resulted in the book, Arriving in Delaware: The Italian-American Experience, which was co-authored by her friend, Priscilla Thompson, in 1989.

Justine also has organized three art exhibitions featuring Italian-American artists of Delaware, including one funded by the Delaware Humanities. The funded exhibition as a pictorial history entitled, “Pockets of Settlements”, that was shown at various sites around the state.

Justine continued her interest in cultural programs as a member of the Board of Directors of Rockwood Mansion, and assists the program chairman of the Wilmington Friends of Italian Culture by organizing monthly lectures for that organization.

Following her appointment by Gov. Michael Castle in 1990 as chair of the Delaware State Columbus 500 Celebration, Justine was named “Woman of the Year” by the Columbus Monument Committee. Other awards include: “Justine Mataleno Day” by the City of Wilmington and the listing under “Preservers of Our Heritage” in the book entitled, A Legacy from Delaware Women, 1987.

For her work in the restoration of the important Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Wilmington, the Wilmington Memorial Parade Committee honored Justine by naming her the first female Grand Marshall of their annual parade in 1976.

As an original member of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture, Justine was instrumental in organizing the first Italian Summer Language Camp for children.