In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Ernesto Milani, who shares his family’s migration story from Italy to the United States, particularly focusing on the early Italian immigrants in America. They discuss the correspondence between family members across the ocean, the establishment of Italian settlements in the Southern United States, and the significant role of mutual aid societies in supporting Italian immigrants. Ernesto also shares the poignant story of Rosa, an Italian immigrant who became a storyteller in America, highlighting the experiences of women in the immigrant narrative. Ernesto’s Website http://ernestomilani.it  Takeaways Ernesto’s family migrated from Northern Italy to America in the 1890s. Many Northern Italians settled in various parts of the United States, not just New York. Letters from family members provide valuable insights into immigrant life. Emotional connections are maintained through correspondence across generations. The Sunnyside Plantation was a unique settlement for Italian immigrants in the South. Many Italians faced significant challenges adapting to agricultural practices in America. The legacy of Italian families continues to thrive in the South today. Researching family history can uncover fascinating stories and connections. The experience of Italian immigrants varied greatly depending on their region of origin. Maintaining family ties was crucial for many Italian immigrants, despite geographical distances. 5% of the population in Cugionno was born in the States. Rosa’s story illustrates the immigrant experience and resilience. Women’s roles in immigration are often overlooked in history. Sports played a crucial role in Italian American identity. Yogi Berra’s legacy connects generations of Italian Americans. Mutual aid societies were vital for immigrant support. Cultural heritage is essential to understanding identity. Storytelling is a powerful tool for preserving history. Genealogy connects individuals to their ancestral roots. Personal journeys of exploration enrich our understanding of immigration. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Kristen Hertzog about her journey of relocating from the United States to Italy, exploring her family heritage, the challenges of obtaining dual citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. Kristen shares her experiences of living in a small Italian village, the bureaucratic hurdles she faced, and the importance of language in building relationships. They also discuss the romanticized view of Italian life versus the reality, and how both Italian-Americans and Italians perceive each other’s cultural identities. Kristen emphasizes the significance of preserving ancestral stories through her YouTube channel, which documents her experiences and insights. Kristen Hertzog is a YouTube Influencer from Pennsylvania currently living in Sicily and documenting her experiences as an Italian-American applying for citizenship.  Check out her YouTube channel. ANYWHEREWITHKRISTEN Takeaways  Both sides of my family are from Italy. The dual citizenship process is not for the weak of heart. Living in Italy is different from visiting as a tourist. Cultural expectations can lead to misunderstandings. Language is key to building relationships in Italy. The Italian bureaucracy can be challenging to navigate. It’s important to be flexible and patient with the process. Creating authentic content helps share real experiences. Preserving ancestral stories is vital for future generations. Italian-Americans often romanticize their heritage. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Daniel Niemiec delve into the intricate world of genealogy, exploring Daniel’s extensive research into his family history, which includes over 90,000 ancestors. They discuss migration patterns, the significance of family connections, and the emotional weight of discovering both extraordinary and tragic family stories. Daniel shares insights from his research, including the challenges of tracing lineage, the impact of historical events on family dynamics, and the fascinating tales of families with numerous children. The conversation highlights the importance of revisiting research to uncover hidden stories and the unique experiences of Italian-American families. In this conversation, Daniel Niemiec shares insights into genealogy, focusing on late-life parenthood, the importance of thorough research, and the dynamics of family relationships across generations. He discusses the significance of checking records beyond typical age limits, the fascinating statistics surrounding marriages, and the stories behind centenarians. The conversation also touches on the complexities of family dynamics, including age gaps and the preservation of genealogical research for future generations. Takeaways Daniel Niemiec has traced over 90,000 ancestors in his family tree. Genealogy research often reveals unexpected family connections and stories. Migration patterns significantly influenced where families settled in America. Revisiting old research can uncover errors and new insights. Extreme family sizes were common in historical contexts, with some families having over 20 children. Tragic family histories, such as losing all children before their first birthday, highlight the challenges of past generations. Multiple marriages were not uncommon, reflecting the realities of life in earlier times. Late fatherhood is a fascinating aspect of family history, with some men fathering children well into their 80s. The importance of documenting family stories to preserve history for future generations. Genealogy is a journey of discovery that connects individuals to their roots. Late-life parenthood was more common than assumed. Research should extend beyond typical age limits. Age gaps in relationships can be significant. Shortest recorded marriage was just seven days. Centenarians are more common in America than Italy. Family dynamics can lead to unusual generational relationships. Thorough research can uncover surprising family stories. Preserving genealogical data is crucial for future generations. Understanding family history can clarify complex relationships. Genealogy research can reveal unexpected connections. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Katy Bodenhorn, a professional genealogist, discussing her journey into genealogy, the importance of historical societies, and tips for aspiring genealogists. They explore the challenges and rewards of genealogy research, the significance of family stories, and the evolving landscape of genealogy with technology and DNA testing. Katy shares insights on her business, the services she offers, and the fascinating stories that emerge from genealogical research. Find Katy on Facebook Takeaways Katie’s interest in genealogy began as a teenager due to family curiosity. Historical societies can be invaluable resources for genealogical research. The genealogy field has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Formal education and training can help aspiring genealogists stand out. Flexibility and passion are key in starting a genealogy business. Staying curious and open-minded is essential for genealogical research. Professional genealogists often provide narrative reports to clients. Family stories can reveal unexpected connections and histories. AI technology is transforming how genealogical records are accessed and analyzed. Engaging with family members can uncover valuable ancestral stories. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and culture of Sicily, exploring Carlo’s personal journey of discovering his Sicilian roots and the inspiration behind his novel, Siciliana. They discuss the process of writing historical fiction, the significance of female protagonists, and the importance of preserving Italian culture and traditions in America. Takeaways • Carlo’s journey to Sicily sparked his interest in writing. • Sicilian culture was not fully embraced during Carlo’s upbringing. • The Sicilian Vespers uprising inspired Carlo’s novel. • Writing historical fiction requires extensive research and creativity. • Choosing a genre is crucial for storytelling. • Personal memories can serve as a foundation for writing. • Carlo’s next novel features a new heroine in Sicily. • The importance of female characters in historical narratives. • Cultural preservation is vital for future generations. • Naming children with Italian names helps keep the culture alive. Titles • Unveiling Sicilian Heritage • The Art of Historical Fiction • Empowering Female Heroes in Literature Sound Bites • “I really got to see the island in its full glory.” • “I still have family there.” • “You should really be your first audience.” • “I hitched on this legend that it was started by a young woman.” • “It’s up to us to keep the traditions alive.” Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video