Academy of Italian Heritage and Travel

https://youtu.be/TPQYicyAx6I Join our virtual roundtable as we discuss Italian genealogy and the methods for connecting with your family history. This session features a collaborative discussion among researchers and genealogists focused on tracing lineage and documenting family heritage. For anyone navigating the complexities of Italian roots, this conversation offers practical insights into how different branches of a family tree can be reconstructed using historical records. We examine the collaborative approach to ancestry research, highlighting how shared knowledge helps bridge gaps in genealogical data. By analyzing the experiences of our participants, you will better understand how to organize your own findings and collaborate with others in the field to preserve your heritage. Letizia Sinisi Pier Felice degli Uberti Maria Loredana Pinotti http://www.academyofitalianheritageandtravel.com Click here to join our group on Facebook

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Italy, focusing on Mussolini’s rise to power, the impact of World War II on Naples, and the resilience of Italian families during wartime. Guest author Diana Giovanazzo shares insights from her latest historical fiction book, ‘Daughters of Naples,’ and discusses the importance of understanding Italy’s complex past. Key Topics Mussolini’s rise to power and fascist ideology The Four Days of Naples and Italian resistance Impact of WWII on Italian families and archives Italy’s cultural and historical landmarks during fascism The role of women and children in wartime resistance Click here to join our group on Facebook Click to purchase on Amazon Diana Giovinazzo returns to the historical genre in a lush and thrilling novel, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and Elena Ferrante. Set in Naples, Italy, during World War II, three sisters must survive in the face of danger. Naples, 1940. The three Cozzolino sisters, Leta, Marcella, and Bianca, live together in their small home during Mussolini’s domination. Leta runs the De Rosa dress shop, where she takes care of her mother-in-law while her husband is at war. Marcella is an apprentice to a midwife, bringing up the next generation of Italian soldiers, much to the pride of her boyfriend, who is inspired by Mussolini’s rule. But when their youngest sister, Bianca, decides to join the partigiani—the Italian resistance—after her childhood sweetheart is sent to war, familial tensions are brought to light. The sisters are soon at odds, questioning where they stand in the war effort. When Leta’s old flame, Pasquale, asks if he can use the dress shop to send messages for the partigiani, she refuses. But when Naples is bombed, the sisters are forced to reevaluate their stances and how far they are willing to go for each other and their country. With the threat of Nazism looming over the city after Mussolini is ousted, the Cozzolino sisters will have to confront what they are willing to sacrifice and their loyalties to each other and to their country. This inspiring novel examines the true nature of sisterly bonds and what one will do to survive.

In this episode, Juliana shares her experience with the NIAF trip to Italy, exploring her Italian heritage, and the impact of her journey on her understanding of family history and culture. NIAF trip application process and experience Cities visited: Rome, Milan, Genoa, Lago de Garda, Cremona Family heritage from Napoli and Bari The impact of travel on understanding family history Italian food and regional specialties Researching Italian ancestry and DNA testing Click here to join our group on Facebook

In this episode, Christine McBurney shares her journey of discovering her Italian roots later in life, the impact of DNA testing on her identity, and her creative projects inspired by her heritage. A compelling story of self-discovery, family secrets, and cultural reconnection. Key Topics Discovering Italian heritage late in life The role of DNA testing in genealogy Family secrets and their impact on identity Travel to Italy and ancestral villages Creating a film based on personal family history Reconnecting with cultural roots and traditions Takeaways DNA testing can reveal unexpected heritage and family connections Family secrets often shape our understanding of identity Traveling to ancestral villages deepens cultural understanding Creative projects can be inspired by personal history Reconnecting with roots can be life-changingKey Christine McBurney – Official Website Tutto – Film Project Click here to join our group on Facebook

Viviana Altieri, founder of the Italian radio and Istituto Mondo Italiano, shares her journey from Italy to Pittsburgh, exploring Italian culture, traditions, and the importance of preserving heritage through food, language, and community initiatives. Viviana’s family origins in Foggia and Rome Her move from Italy to Pittsburgh in 1993 The rich diversity of Italian regions and traditions The role of food and festivals in cultural identity The founding and mission of Istituto Mondo Italiano The evolution of the Italian Radio Hour into a podcast The importance of language and cultural education Reviving and supporting Italian traditions in the US Istituto Mondo Italiano The Italian Radio Hour Italian Festivals and Traditions Italian Language Courses Italian Cultural Souvenirs Click here to join our group on Facebook