Categories: Podcast

Abruzzo to Astoria: A Personal History of Italian-American Migration

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.

Podcast

Video

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.

Information

Antenati and Italian Genealogy Research Tips

Discover the transformative journey of Bill Sallurday as he uncovers his Italian roots, tracing his family lineage back to the picturesque village of San Cipriano Picentino. With a passion for genealogy, Bill’s relentless research has revealed his family’s true surname, Sabato, and connected over 8,000 individuals through a comprehensive genealogical database. His dedication not only reconnected him with his heritage but also earned him honorary citizenship from the village, highlighting the profound impact of his

Read More »
Podcast

Roots and Reflections – Sicily

Reflecting on the resilience of our ancestors, this episode journeys through the vibrant narratives of Sicilian heritage and its cultural echoes in the Italian-American communities across the United States. Join us as we hear from Francesca and Manuel, whose roots connect them to Gela, Sicily, with Manuel sharing his role in preserving Italian culture as the president of the historic Italian Athletic Club in San Francisco. We also explore Jerry’s passionate involvement with the St.

Read More »
Podcast

Italian Americans Hershey PA

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lou Paioletti as we uncover the rich legacy of Italian-American heritage in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Lou takes us on a heartfelt journey, sharing his family’s migration story from Tuscany to Hershey, a town renowned for its chocolate but also a beacon of hope for countless Italian immigrants drawn by industrial opportunities. We explore how these families, including Lou’s ancestors, contributed significantly to Hershey’s industrial evolution, particularly in the stone

Read More »
Podcast

Uncovering Family History In Photos

Imagine uncovering your family’s history through a single photograph. That’s the journey we embark on with Maureen Taylor, the renowned “photo detective,” as we explore the powerful intersection of history and photography. From the meticulous art of traditional photography to the instant gratification of digital captures, we uncover how these images serve as portals to the past. Through personal anecdotes and insights, I reflect on how my father’s career as a New York Daily News

Read More »
Podcast

Embracing Italian Roots Vallesaccarda

Lorraine LoRusso never imagined her sister’s volunteer work would lead to an extraordinary reunion with long-lost family in Italy. Join us as Lorraine shares her heartfelt story of tracing her roots back to the charming town of Vallesaccarda. These discoveries, sparked by ship records and naturalization papers, not only rekindled family ties but also brought to life the enduring legacy of her grandfather, who bravely set sail for America in 1914. We also explore the

Read More »
Podcast

Researching Faicchio Campania

Imagine discovering that your family’s story spans centuries and continents, connecting you to people and places you never knew existed. That’s precisely the journey Rich Di Palma embarked upon, and he shares his remarkable experiences tracing his Italian roots from Faicchio Campania in our latest episode. Rich recounts how his grandfather’s Italian songs ignited a lifelong passion for genealogy, leading him to uncover long-lost relatives and delve deep into family records dating back to the

Read More »
Bob

Recent Posts

Antenati and Italian Genealogy Research Tips

Discover the transformative journey of Bill Sallurday as he uncovers his Italian roots, tracing his…

14 hours ago

Roots and Reflections – Sicily

Reflecting on the resilience of our ancestors, this episode journeys through the vibrant narratives of…

4 days ago

Italian Americans Hershey PA

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lou Paioletti as we uncover the rich legacy…

1 week ago

Uncovering Family History In Photos

Imagine uncovering your family’s history through a single photograph. That's the journey we embark on…

2 weeks ago

Embracing Italian Roots Vallesaccarda

Lorraine LoRusso never imagined her sister's volunteer work would lead to an extraordinary reunion with…

4 weeks ago

Researching Faicchio Campania

Imagine discovering that your family's story spans centuries and continents, connecting you to people and…

1 month ago