Categories: Podcast

From Sicily to San Diego: Preserving Italian Heritage

What if your family’s immigration story bypassed the iconic Ellis Island, heading straight to the sunny shores of San Diego? Join us as we sit down with Tom Cesarini, founder of Convivio, who uncovers his rich Sicilian heritage and shares his family’s unique journey to America. From working in a macaroni factory to establishing a vibrant enclave in Little Italy, Tom’s memories paint a vivid picture of the immigrant experience, filled with both challenges and triumphs.

Explore the intricate world of dual citizenship and family heritage, as we reflect on our grandparents’ nostalgic lives in small Italian towns. Discover why more people are moving back to Italy and the legal processes involved in obtaining dual citizenship. We emphasize the benefits this holds for future generations, such as affordable education and healthcare in the EU, and the importance of preserving our roots.

Finally, immerse yourself in the efforts to preserve Italian heritage in San Diego. Learn about the creation and evolution of Convivio, its cultural programs, digital archives, and exciting plans for a larger cultural center and museum. Hear about key figures like John Mangiapane, who contribute through film and oral history projects, and find out how you can connect with Convivio Society to support the Italian community in Southern California and beyond.

Podcast

Video

For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.

Podcast

Exploring Italian Roots Sicily and Chicago

Please welcome the esteemed author and storyteller, Tony Ardizzone, who generously sheds light on his Italian-American heritage and how it has influenced his intriguing stories. Embark on a journey that traverses from Tony’s father’s Sicilian roots and tales of his childhood, to the colourful streets of Rome, where his recent book In Bruno’s Shadow unfolds. Uncover how Tony’s father’s admirable work ethic, his aunts’ memorable cooking, and his own experiences of Italian-American culture shaped his

July 21, 2023 No Comments

Travel

The Journey Home — Day 11 — Sciacca Sicily

Click here to join out Facebook group The trip to Sciacca got off to a rocky start as the van that was to take us failed to start. After about a 45 minute wait a new vehicle arrived and off we went for the roughly one hour drive. During the trip from Palermo, we were treated to excellent views of the coast, mountains and hills and valleys. As it was a Sunday, it’s hard to

June 12, 2023 No Comments

Podcast

Unraveling Sicilian Secrets: The Story of the Sicilian Uprising in 1282

Join me as I chat with author Carlo Treviso about his Sicilian heritage and the inspiration behind his riveting book, Siciliana. We explore his dad’s immigration story from Porticello, Sicily to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 70s, and how his family may have been orphans. Delve into the fascinating history of Sicily and the true event of the Sicilian Vespers that inspired Carlo’s story. Listen in as we discuss Carlo’s DNA test results and the Spanish

June 9, 2023 No Comments

Podcast

Researching Sicily — “The Lady of the Wheel”

In this episode I talk to Angelo Coniglio about his family research and his book “The Lady of the Wheel”. Angelo explains naming conventions of the abandoned children and how poorly they were treated. This is a story set in Racalmuto, Sicily in the late nineteenth century. As historical fiction, it deals with a heartbreaking aspect of parenting: the practice of of leaving unwanted children in a revolving door or wheel (ruota) of a church,

July 22, 2022 No Comments

Podcast

Researching Sicily and Boston’s North End

Visit Our Shop Tom Damigella talks about his parents roots in Sicily and coming to Boston’s North End, and his return. Also, his nobility connection and how he traced his roots and return to home town in Sicily. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video Mom and Dad Mom and Dad Mom Mom and Dad Honorary Citizen Tom’s Dad in the North End Tom’s mom passport photo

October 9, 2021 No Comments

Information

Best of Sicily

Click here to Join Italian Genealogy on Facebook Best of Sicily Podcasts. Great if you are searching for family! Best of Sicily Blog Posts. A lot of great information here.

April 25, 2020 1 Comment