The alliance between the mafia and the Teamsters Union remains one of the most notorious partnerships in American history — a saga dominated by powerful men like union boss Jimmy Hoffa. Yet its origins can be traced to a Kansas City woman, Sylvia Pagano, whom the FBI once called “the connection between the Detroit Italian Syndicate and the Teamsters Union.”
Author Frank Hayde discusses his new book Hoffa’s Connection: The Story of Sylvia Pagano, the Kansas City Girl at the Center of the Mafia’s Alliance with the Teamsters Union, which examines how Pagano, a labor organizer, emerged as a key ally for Hoffa and a trusted figure within the American underworld.
During a period when the mafia relegated most women to ornamental roles, Hayde details how Pagano was unique, serving as a powerbroker, liaison, and advisor. Her story provides a glimpse into some of organized crime’s most notorious people, places, and events.
A career law enforcement officer, Hayde is the author of five previous books, including The Mafia and the Machine: The Story of the Kansas City Mob and Italian Gardens: A History of Kansas City Through Its Favorite Restaurant.
If you need ADA accommodation to use Library services or attend Library events and programs, please notify us at least 3 business days in advance at 816.701.3409 or ADA@kclibrary.org. (TTY access available via 711 or 866.520.7309 for Spanish.)
The Kansas City Public Library could be videotaping and taking photos for possible inclusion in marketing and promotional communications.
{{ result.authors[0].name }}
{{ result.series[0].name }}
{{ result.authors[0].name }}
{{ result.series[0].name }}
