I know lots of places are closed on this date. Is there an official site that's in English? thanks

I believe most everything will be closed. Go to http://www.itnw.roma.it/ostia/scavi/

sorry Jabez but that site is only in Italian and does not have a link to English version. I am off to Italy in May 2008 and have been told that Italy streets will be deserted on this day.

Click on 'orari' for schedule and you get

CHIUSO IL LUNEDI' E NEI GIORNI 1° GENNAIO, 1° MAGGIO E 25 DICEMBRE.

Closed Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, 25 December


ORARIO:
Dall’entrata in vigore dell’ora legale (ULTIMA DOMENICA DI MARZO) alla fine dell’ora legale (ULTIMA DOMENICA DI OTTOBRE): h. 08,30-18,00, uscita del pubblico entro le h. 19,30.

From the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October, opening hours: 8:30am to 6:00pm; must exit by 7:30pm.

My experience on May 1 in Italy is that in larger cities there will be labor marches.

From the website:
"CHIUSO IL LUNEDI' E NEI GIORNI 1° GENNAIO, 1° MAGGIO E 25 DICEMBRE"
Translated:Closed Mondays and Jan.1,May 1 and Dec.25.