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 quarries and the broader employment landscape of the 1920s and 1930s.
Lou’s personal stories offer a vivid portrayal of maintaining ties across continents. Through shared memories of a father who served in World War II and the cherished weekly calls with relatives in Italy, we delve into the emotional resonance of family bonds that defy distance and time. These narratives are a testament to the enduring connection between Italian-American communities and their cultural roots, highlighted by Lou’s own experiences of gaining citizenship and the magical encounters during visits to Italy.
The episode also casts a spotlight on the labor movements of the 1930s, revealing the complex legacy of Milton Hershey. While his projects kept many employed during tough times, they also sparked unrest and a failed strike in 1937, with Italian-Americans at the heart of these events. Through engaging stories and critical reflections, we celebrate the resilience of this vibrant community and debunk stereotypes, acknowledging their vast contributions beyond the confines of popular culture’s limited narratives. Join us as we honor the true legacy of Italian-Americans in shaping not only Hershey but also the broader American landscape.
Click here to join Italian Genealogy Group on Facebook Although I had heard about the Roseto Effect, it never dawned on me to write a piece about it until I was reminded in an interview with Dorina Lantella. Her dad was born in Roseto Valfortore in Puglia and back in the early 1900’s residents from that town founded Roseto in Pennsylvania as the first 100% Italian-American town. Italians came from Roseto Valfortore in the late
Dorina Lantella’s dad came to the USA at the age of 16 and Dorina has been going back to Roseto Valfortore since she was four years old. Over the past several years she has been bringing people back to Roseto for tours and cooking classes. Dorina give us excellent advice on returning home and the Roseto effect. An episode that you do not want to miss. https://www.facebook.com/DorinasKitchen/ https://www.youtube.com/dorinaskitchen https://www.instagram.com/dorinaskitchen/ http://www.dorinaskitchen.com/ dorinaskitchen@gmail.com Podcast Click here to
Great conversation with Paul Spadoni about researching his family in Montecarlo Tuscany, living and working in Italy and spending 6 months a year in his grandparents hometown. Paul and Lucy Spadoni periodically live in Tuscany to explore Paul’s Italian roots, practice their Italian and enjoy “la dolce vita.” Paul is the author of “An American Family in Italy: Living La Dolce Vita without Permission,” an Amazon bestseller. Podcast Click here to join our group on
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