Picture yourself traversing the bustling streets of Astoria, Queens, where the air is thick with Italian dialects and the spirit of a robust, tight-knit Abruzzese community permeates every corner. Our guest today, Maria Fosco, raised amidst the lively Italian neighborhood, retraces the vibrant roots of her ancestry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the migration patterns of Italians and their profound imprint on Astoria.
Join us as we follow Maria’s engaging narrative, journeying all the way back to her great-grandmother’s house in Italy, purchased in the 1890s, and the subsequent chapters of her family’s history. Experience the profound saga of her family’s transition from Italian-speaking immigrants to English-speaking American citizens. Maria unveils an intriguing tale of reconnecting with long-lost cousins through ancestry and DNA, and offers insights into her visits to her family’s ancestral house in Italy.
Maria emphasizes the profound significance of knowing one’s roots and sharing those stories with the world. She has documented her family history in compelling chapters, and shares tales from her daily storytelling sessions with her late mother. From performing in a folkloric group in traditional costumes to tracing the path of the seasonal journey of sheep. Maria’s experiences have been rich and diverse. So, tag along for a ride through time and heritage as Maria paints a vivid picture of the Italian-American history and the importance of preserving our past.
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Maria is a member of the board that is creating the new Italian-American Museum in NYC, to open in the spring of 2024. Here is our interview with Dr. Scelsa.
Comfort and Joy – Vanessa Racci
https://youtu.be/tud78SR0yik Join us live for an interview with singer Vanessa Racci as we talk about her recent heritage tour in Italy, her new holiday album to be released in November and much more! ARTIST NAME: Vanessa Racci ALBUM TITLE: Comfort & Joy LABEL NAME: VRE Records STREET DATE: Nov 6th, 2026 GENRE: Jazz Vocal Holiday Album ARTIST BIO: To Preorder CD: https://store.spinneymedia.com/products/vanessa-racci-comfort-joy-cd To Preorder Streaming https://orcd.co/comfortandjoy Vanessa Racci is a touring and recording jazz vocalist who
Italian Roots with Actor & Director Anthony Robert Grasso
In this episode, actor and director Anthony Robert Grasso shares his journey through Italian heritage, acting, and filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of tradition, community, and continuous learning in the arts. Explore Italian roots and the power of storytelling with actor and director Anthony Robert Grasso. In this conversation, Anthony reflects on his professional background and the importance of tradition in his filmmaking career. He shares personal stories about his early work as a fine art
Caltagirone Ceramics, Roman Mosaics & Palermo
Click here to join out Facebook group Morning: Ceramic Craftsmanship in Caltagirone We checked out of our hotel and set off across the interior of Sicily toward Palermo. Our first stop was the hilltop town of Caltagirone, world-famous for hand-painted ceramics (maiolica). We visited a local ceramic factory to watch artisans shape raw clay and hand-paint vibrant geometric patterns. We also visited the iconic Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte—a breathtaking 142-step staircase where every
Siracusa & Ortigia – Grottos, Low Bridge and Street Market
Click here to join out Facebook group Morning Departure and Heading to the Port We boarded our bus at 9:00 AM for the roughly 90-minute scenic drive south from Catania down to Siracusa and its historic island heart, Ortigia. Upon arriving at the port, we boarded a boat for a tour around the perimeter of Ortigia and into the dramatic coastal sea caves and grottos. Right at the very start of the boat trip, we
Palazzo Restoration in Vasto
In this episode, Michael Fattorossi shares his 20-year journey of researching his Italian family roots, restoring a historic palazzo in Vasto, and navigating Italy’s bureaucratic system as a digital nomad. Discover insights into Italian history, real estate, and practical tips for expats and travelers. Beyond the physical repairs, this project represents a deep connection to Vasto Italy and the stories that define our lineage. Whether you are currently conducting your own Italian genealogy research or
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Click here to join out Facebook group Morning Coastal Views and Heading North After fueling up with a superb breakfast at the Grand Hotel Baia Verde, we boarded the bus for a highly anticipated day trip to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most dazzling clifftop jewels. As we drove along the coastline, our guide, Valentino, kept us entertained and informed with a rich history of the region. Frame after frame, Mount Etna continued to steal the
