Introduction
A while back I did a post on Italian Immigration to America. I touched briefly on the subject and decided to devote some more time to Ellis Island. By the way, there was a similar port of entry in California.
For those of us who are first, second or third generation Italians, we know that our parents, grandparents or great grandparents entered the US through the island in the early part of the 20th Century.
I’ve done some digging and unearthed fascinating photos and videos, and added a few of my own. Rather than go into a long and lengthy dissertation on the subject I will point you to resources that copy the subject in depth. I hope you enjoy.
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Library of Congress
I stumbled on this site by accident. They LOC has a comprehensive look into the Italians coming into Ellis Island. Click the photo on the right to view video. Click here to read more about L’Isola dell Lagrime at the LOC. This also serves as a program for teachers on the subject.
This is a MUST SEE video!
My Ellis Island Photos
My Story
Italian Migration To America
There were several reasons for Italian Migration To America. Poverty, natural disasters, unification and political corruption to name a few. After unification, the Northern Italians dominated the government. The Southern Italians were considered lower class and were highly taxed and exploited. While there are many many articles and books written about Italian Migration to America, this a a brief encapsulation. However, I do provide some links for those who want to pursue further. From Digital
Growing Up Italian American
Growing Up Italian American is a super book by Dr. Ferdinand Visco. Dr. V. gives us an inside look into the Baratta and Visco families that came to America to make a better life, and live the American dream. They had a goal for their children and grandchildren, many of whom became pharmacists and doctor’s. What is especially amazing, is that Dr. V. and I came from the same small town College Point, in Queens
New York City Italian Families
Those of us that are baby boomers, and grew up to Italian families in the US, probably had some of the best times. I was blessed by having two great New York City Italian families. I always wanted to write a book about growing up, but now the blogging is so much better and you get instant feedback that you would not get in a book. My plan is to post more and more, especially
Italian Genealogy Research — New and Exciting Links For Your Research
As promised we are constantly on the lookout to find new links to help you with your research. Whether you have been researching your Italian Roots for a week or for years, there is always something new that pops up. Here are our newest finds, you can also go to our LINKS page to find our complete list. We also would welcome comments, if you have links that we have not yet uncovered. Please comment
Thank you for your interesting posts and pods. Is it true that some of our ancestors didn’t make it to the shores of NY or after having stepped off the ship, quarantined and never made it? I ask because I cannot locate a record and wonder if this may be the case , that the person whom I am researching died in quarantine. Many thanks. Isabella Cecere.
(My roots are Potenza, Basilicata)
Yes.Some were sent back. I had one distant cousin that had an eye issue. I think she was like 16 and she returned while the rest of the family stayed.
Thanks for your reply Bob. Isabella.