Best Italian Research Blog

In this episode, Christine McBurney shares her journey of discovering her Italian roots later in life, the impact of DNA testing on her identity, and her creative projects inspired by her heritage. A compelling story of self-discovery, family secrets, and cultural reconnection. Key Topics Discovering Italian heritage late in life The role of DNA testing in genealogy Family secrets and their impact on identity Travel to Italy and ancestral villages Creating a film based on

Viviana Altieri, founder of the Italian radio and Istituto Mondo Italiano, shares her journey from Italy to Pittsburgh, exploring Italian culture, traditions, and the importance of preserving heritage through food, language, and community initiatives. Viviana’s family origins in Foggia and Rome Her move from Italy to Pittsburgh in 1993 The rich diversity of Italian regions and traditions The role of food and festivals in cultural identity The founding and mission of Istituto Mondo Italiano The

Explore the rich history and cultural significance of Italian folk dances, especially the Tarantella, through the insights of Anna Harsh, an expert in Italian dance traditions. Discover the stories, regional variations, and modern adaptations of these vibrant dances. Key Topics History and origins of the Tarantella Regional variations and stories behind Italian dances The cultural and healing significance of dances like the Tarantella Anna Harsh’s journey from research to dance company The role of dance

  Representative Photo Gilded Palazzos & Stolen Glances: The Aristocratic Saga of the Piromallo Capece Piscicelli Line Behind the cold, bureaucratic ink of 19th-century Italian civil records lies a world of immense wealth, rigid social codes, and a deeply personal piece of my own family history. To trace the lineage of Count Nicola Piromallo and his wife Maria Emilia Caracciolo di Torchiarolo is to step directly into the glittering heart of the Neapolitan Belle Époque—but