Growing Up Italian American

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

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

Francesca La Torre, a first-generation American with deep Sicilian roots, brings a tapestry of fascinating stories that illuminate the Italian American experience. Raised in Oakland, California, Francesca shares the vibrant contrasts she encountered between her American upbringing and her family’s rich Sicilian traditions. From her father’s sense of belonging within San Francisco’s Italian community to enchanting tales of her parents’ whirlwind romance, Francesca offers a heartfelt glimpse into how cultural connections shape identity and belonging.

What if a single journey could unravel years of forgotten history? Join us as we uncover the mesmerizing tale of Italian immigrants in America with Joe Tucciarone, the insightful co-author of “Italians Swindled to New York.” You’ll be captivated by the story of nearly 3,000 Italians deceived into coming to the United States in 1872, only to find themselves stranded and vulnerable in New York City. Their subsequent journey to Richmond, Virginia, to fill a

Could DNA testing revolutionize your understanding of family history? Join us as we uncover this fascinating topic with Andrew Martin, host of the Family Histories Podcast.Andrew’s unique show format, born out of the UK’s lockdown in 2021, includes an interview, a life story, and a genealogical brick wall challenge. He shares how his creative process turned isolation into an opportunity for connection within the genealogy community. We also explore the joys and hurdles of guest

What if you discovered a hidden chapter in your family’s history that changed the way you see yourself? This episode features Joseph Walls, whose journey into genealogy was sparked by the emotional discovery of his grandfather’s experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. We explore how this revelation led Joseph to delve into his mother’s Italian heritage, uncovering the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations by his great-grandfather Nando, and how

Have you ever wondered what hidden stories lie in your family’s past? In this emotional episode, we sit down with Gina Ciambella as she takes us on a poignant journey of discovery, tracing her Italian heritage from Michigan back to a small village near Naples. Gina unveils her father’s harrowing experiences during World War II, including his escape from a concentration camp truck and the tragic fate of her grandfather, Antonio, at the hands of

Have you ever wondered how discovering your family’s hidden past can shape your identity? Join us for an emotional and enlightening conversation with Steve Bruno as he takes us on his extraordinary journey of uncovering his Italian roots. Steve shares the poignant story of his grandfather and great aunt, orphaned at a young age, and the meticulous research that unearthed family members previously unknown. Through his quest, Steve brings to light the early immigration of