Biography

Exploring Toritto Bari: A Journey Through Time

The conversation explores the life and experiences of Rocco Scolamacchia, who grew up in Toritto, Italy, during the mid-20th century. It delves into his childhood memories, the impact of World War II on his family, the struggles of survival during difficult times, and the importance of family connections and genealogy. With his daughter Lisa the discussion highlights the cultural heritage and legacy that shapes their identities today. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into their family histories, cultural traditions, and the rich culinary heritage of their Italian roots. They share personal anecdotes about family gatherings, local customs like Baker’s Night, and the challenges of tracing genealogy. The discussion also touches on the nuances of dialects in Italy, the significance of family names, and the importance of maintaining connections across generations. The speakers express pride in their heritage and the unique flavors of their hometown, highlighting the role of food in their cultural identity. 

 

Podcast

Video

Information

History of Bari with Vintage Photos

Join Italian Roots and Genealogy on Facebook Bari montage very nice Francesco Nicoletti and Maria Carnevale with their grandson Giovanni My mom’s family comes from Bari and in fact her oldest brother did not migrate from there until after WWII.  My grandmother’s family was from Acquaviva delle Fonti and my grandfather’s from Toritto.  Like most people from Bari at the time, most of the men farmers and many of the women were seamstresses.  I have

Read More »
Adventure

Researching Biccari, Foggia, Puglia

A moment and a movement; New Biccari. With Erick and Giuseppe Lucera and Rich Leto The book illustrates how a moment in time when the author returned to his ancestral village let to research into the movement of people from Biccari to Philadelphia.  Erick along with cousins in Italy Gennaro and Giuseppe Lucera trace the 1200 Biccarese citizens to America, ending up mostly Philadelphia. Using data analytics and his cousin’s local stories from previously published

Read More »
Podcast

Researching Calabria and Puglia

Leto Family Visit Our Shop Rich Leto talks about when and why he started researching his family from Calabria and Puglia and when they arrived in Philadelphia.  Also, what it was like growing up Italian in Philly. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Read More »
Podcast

Researching Matera Puglia and Campoli Appennino Lazio

Graziella Paolicelli Bob and Desire talk about her family roots in Matera Puglia and Campoli Appennino Lazio Click here to join our group on Facebook Find on the map My Italian cousin Graziamaria and I in Milan 2008 Graziamaria and me in 2019 Colucci’s visit Ferrandina Colucci’s visit Matera

Read More »
Adventure

Puglia During Carnevale

Trulli “Up close and personal”  MY MINI PUGLIA TRIP Taking a mini vacay to Puglia sounded like a good idea when my best friend  suggested it.  He said “Putignano is Venice’s version of Carnevale.”  So, three weeks ago we board the big bus with a group of thirty ready-to-party Italians.  At the beginning of the trip, the group leader recited the traveling prayer for a safe trip (none of which I understood, even though I

Read More »
Information

History of Puglia Italy

My mom’s family if from Toritto and Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Bari.  Although, I do have come ancient de Hautville ancestors from the region on my dad’s side.  My uncle Giovanni stayed behind when my grandparents came to America, and raised his family there until the late 1940’s.  My cousins have an interview that they did with him in Barese and I hope to someday have that translation.  My great grandfather, Francesco, owned a cow and

Read More »
Bob

Recent Posts

Generational Perspectives on Being Italian-American

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino engages with Dr. Gilda Rorro and Dr. Mary Rorro, a…

18 hours ago

Italian Wine Classes – FAST

Join us on a journey to explore the allure of sparkling wine as we embark…

2 days ago

From Italian Roots to Nobel Laureate

It was an honor and privilege to interview Nobel Laureate Dr. Ignarro. From humble Italian…

2 weeks ago

Reviving Italian Folk Music: A Journey with Allaboara

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Anthony Taddeo from the Italian musical group Allaboara. They…

4 weeks ago

The Journey Home — Day 6 — Torre del Greco and Boscotrecase

Click here to join out Facebook group The original plan for today was to make…

4 weeks ago

Wine By The Class – What are the types of wine?

https://youtu.be/PCNuOE0Hxrk In this conversation, Anthony Verdoni introduces the world of Italian wines, sharing his extensive…

1 month ago