Have you ever been captivated by the stories of your ancestors, the journeys they embarked on, and the experiences that shaped their lives? In our latest episode, we’re joined by Arnie Aranci, whose Italian-American roots are as rich and flavorful as the cuisine of his heritage. Arnie enthralls with tales of his father’s migration from the picturesque Italian countryside to the United States, his consequential return as a soldier in World War II, and the heartwarming romance that blossomed with his mother, a war bride from Livorno. Each anecdote Arnie shares is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of his family history, a relatable connection for anyone with a lineage reaching across oceans and generations.
Picture the tight-knit Italian communities that helped shape the cultural fabric of America’s East Coast. Arnie takes us through the streets of New Haven and into the warm embrace of his family life in post-war Hamden, revealing stories from the local bakeries his father toiled in to celebrity sightings at the legendary Pepe’s pizzeria. But history isn’t always found in public records; sometimes, it’s unearthed through the science of DNA testing. Arnie’s foray into genealogy is fraught with the frustration of lost documents but also charged with the thrill of unexpected family discoveries.
As a history teacher, Arnie understands the importance of keeping the stories of the past alive. His reflections on the evolving nature of history education, from Reconstruction to recent global events, highlight the need to connect yesterday’s lessons with today’s realities. And what’s a conversation without a little anticipation for the future? Arnie hints at upcoming literary endeavors, inspired by the enthusiastic responses to his novel “Nicla’s Story.” Join us for a heartfelt episode that celebrates the persistence of memory, the bonds of family, and the continual rediscovery of our shared heritage.
Nicla’s Story
Nineteen-yearold seamstress Nicla struggles to survive as bombs rain down near her in war-torn Italy
Gerry and Andy Sadler talk about their mum’s life in Italy before and during WWII, moving to the UK to marry their dad and her assisting other Italian’s in Woking. Also, how she was knighted for her efforts. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video
Oria — from 7seas vessels Visit Our Shop On Feb. 12th 1944, the Steamship Oria carrying over 4,000 Italian POW’s captured by the Nazi’s sunk in a storm off the coast of Greece. Damian De Virgilio tells his story about the search for his grandfather Damiano and how that led to his connecting with the families of other victims and the creation of a memorial in Greece. You can contact him at mailto:informazionioria@gmail.com if you
Visit Our Shop A great discussion with Lucia Campanella about her two books and Mussolini’s impact on Italian life pre WWII. Lucia is a teacher, historian and author. Her first book “La Strada Madre” is currently being translated into English. In 1930s Illinois, strained by the Great Depression, rebellious young Eveline meets Oliver, a promising but disillusioned and inspirational writer. Only after a few meetings do they overcome mistrust, prejudices and begin to exchange opinions,
Visit Our Shop Carmine Vittoria, retired professor at Northeastern University in Boston, born in Avella in 1940 and emigrated to the United States at the age of 11, retraces the stages of his childhood in his native land during the bitter times of the Second World War. The merit of this autobiographical writing is the continuous bounce between the narrator’s private facts and well-known national and international historical events of the 1940s. The narrator is
Visit Our Shop Bob interviews Jennifer Anton about her family research and her inspiring book, “Under the Light of the Italian Moon”. Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII. Gripping historical fiction based on a true story and heartbreaking real events. Podcast Video https://youtu.be/hvyXQTKS9g0 Ninetta and Adelasia Researching with
A while back, we did a post on Italian American’s in WWII, based on two videos that my uncle Tom made with his grandson. My good friend John called me after reading in and told me the story about his Grandfather Frank Imperiale who served in WWI. I knew that both my grandfather’s had to register for the draft after coming to America, but I really hadn’t given much thought to Italian American’s that served
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