Imagine uncovering a family history so rich and impactful that it propels you to pen an intriguing tale about Italian immigration to America. That’s precisely what our guest, Joe Orazi, author of L’America, did. In a heartwarming conversation, Joe shares his personal experiences growing up in an Italian family in Pittsburgh and how these experiences shaped his perspective on culture, identity, and heritage.  Uncover the hidden gems of Italian immigration as Joe takes us back to 1915 through his book, L’America. He meticulously researched to craft an authentic and emotional storyline that details the journey of three different Italian families who established their lives in America. If that isn’t exciting enough, prepare to be thrilled as we explore the potential of bringing this rich narrative to life in a mini-series with Little Studio Films.  But there’s more than just a captivating story to our conversation. We delve into the complexities of Italian culture, the impact of the mafia, and foreign influences on Italy. Joe insightfully discusses the unique blend of being both Italian and American, shedding light on his own feelings of dual identity. As we wrap up this enlightening discussion, we reflect on the importance of understanding our roots, urging you, our listeners, to delve into your own histories. Don’t miss out on this intriguing journey with Joe Orazi! L’AmericaPreceding WWII, hundreds of thousands of Italians came to our shores this is their story. Click here to visit L’America Website Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Picture yourself traversing the bustling streets of Astoria, Queens, where the air is thick with Italian dialects and the spirit of a robust, tight-knit Abruzzese community permeates every corner. Our guest today, Maria Fosco, raised amidst the lively Italian neighborhood, retraces the vibrant roots of her ancestry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the migration patterns of Italians and their profound imprint on Astoria. Join us as we follow Maria’s engaging narrative, journeying all the way back to her great-grandmother’s house in Italy, purchased in the 1890s, and the subsequent chapters of her family’s history. Experience the profound saga of her family’s transition from Italian-speaking immigrants to English-speaking American citizens. Maria unveils an intriguing tale of reconnecting with long-lost cousins through ancestry and DNA, and offers insights into her visits to her family’s ancestral house in Italy. Maria emphasizes the profound significance of knowing one’s roots and sharing those stories with the world. She has documented her family history in compelling chapters, and shares tales from her daily storytelling sessions with her late mother. From performing in a folkloric group in traditional costumes to tracing the path of the  seasonal journey of sheep.  Maria’s experiences have been rich and diverse. So, tag along for a ride through time and heritage as Maria paints a vivid picture of the Italian-American history and the importance of preserving our past. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video Maria is a member of the board that is creating the new Italian-American Museum in NYC, to open in the spring of 2024. Here is our interview with Dr. Scelsa.

Click here to join out Facebook group We heard so much about Matera that we made sure to put it on our agenda, Matera is a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest city in Europe. Dozens of movies were filmed there including the Passion Of Christ, No Time to Die and Wonder Woman. Our guide Pasquale informed us that there are 156 churches in Matera. Many are located in caves. One thing that I did not expect was that there is a very modern vibrant town also. Along the walk down into the old city, Pasquale took us to a museum that was the home to a family as late as 1958. There was no heat, running water or toilet facilities. Two rooms one for the people and one for the animals. The Italian president at the time moved many of the families to modern apartments. Most of the old city is being renovated by the Italian government. For an excellent personal tour you can reach Pasquale at 39 338 4417906 Videos of Matera https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_0586.movhttps://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_0582.movhttps://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_1032.mov During our trip in  Puglia we used VIP Service  by Domenico Loiacono, to bring us from Taranto to Bari, Matera and back and for our trip to the airport. Domenico’s drivers were not only on time, but early, flexible and very courteous. Nicola, our driver for Matera, took for a stop in Acquaviva Della Fonte the home of some of my ancestors and to other small towns on the way back. Even gave us a bit of a lesson in Barese. I highly recommend VIP Service if you are in Puglia. Click here for website or contact Domenico at 39 380 701 6616 Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com​ More photos from the Matera trip. Find your home in Italy Find your roots

Join us on a riveting journey as we spotlight Sabrina Moya Chisholm, an extraordinary woman who has spent years meticulously unearthing her complex Italian lineage. With an ancestry that spans almost 6,000 individuals and stretches across continents, there’s no shortage of fascinating stories, from a defrocked priest to a music contract that led her family to South Africa. Sabrina’s genealogical quest, originally a school project for her children, has now evolved into a relentless pursuit of family secrets and a goal to trace 10,000 descendants. Her adventures provide a fascinating insight into the world of genealogy research, highlighting its challenges and rewards. The intricate web of Sabrina’s family history extends beyond Italy, encompassing French roots and a unique South African upbringing. Sabrina shares how her children have come to appreciate the subtle differences in their French, Italian, and South African lineage, lending them a unique perspective on cultural identity. Lastly, we delve into Sabrina’s regrets about the questions she never asked her grandparents, prompting a thoughtful conversation about the importance of preserving family history. Tune in to this captivating episode as we traverse the exciting terrain of Sabrina’s genealogical expedition. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/F.mp3  

Click here to join out Facebook group Mayor for the day At the home of attorney XX Toritto Stemma by Nebi The main reason for returning to southern Italy was to visit Toritto, Bari, Puglia, the birthplace of my maternal grandparents Luigi Nicoletti and Marietta Nicoletti. We were welcomed with open arms by the mayor Dionisio Rutunno, Don Nicola Mastandre the pastor of the church, Rocco Mercurio who was the chief of police and is now the town historian and has access to the archives. My cousin’s cousin, Nicola Bartolomeo, who was born in Toritto, was so wonderful in that he picked us up in Bari and took us to Toritto and back and took us to lunch. More about the amazing lunch later. Our good friend Letizia Sinisi founder of ItalyRooting and a native of Puglia set up this special visit for us. It was such a special feeling to walk the streets of my ancestors, visit the piazza and get a tour of the church were they worshipped. Throughout the church and Toritto there is amazing mosaic art work by Nebi. In fact, his art is in many Italian cities such as Naples and Pisa. You can find his site here. Nebi with one of the Stations of the Cross that he created in Toritto. Meeting Mauro Nicoletti As far as I know I do not have any close cousins in Toritto, as most of my grandparent’s brothers and sisters came to America in the early 20th Century. But then, as we were walking through the piazza we were introduced to Mauro Nicoletti, 96 years young. I do not have a Mauro in my tree, but I suspect that he may be a relation. Later on we were told that in 1956 he moved into the home vacated by my uncle and his family in 1954. Rocco is going to help put the pieces together for us. Home of my great-grandparents and later Uncle Giovanni and family. Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com​ Images of the Chiesa. Click here In the commune and with the help of Rocco and the registry manager Doctor Francesco Capozzi, we were able to view records from the family. We were presented with the birth, death and marriage records of my grandparents, great grandparents and great great grandparents. During the tour of the Olive Oil and Almond collective of 350 farmers, we were presented ambassador certificates from the mayor and Pasquale Mongelli, who also serenaded us with Italian classics. Also thanks to Mario Bartolomeo, President of the Cooperative and our photographer and translator Giuseppe Paccioine When we first arrived the wonderful people of Toritto took us to Cafe Cube, just a short walk from the town hall. We also went there for lunch, which was out of this world and I had two of my favorites Orcchiette and Chivalata. Now if you are from Toritto and have not had it there, ha! You have now idea how exceptional it was. As you can see my wife’s seafood pasta was also excellent. When in Toritto you must go. Cafe Cube on Facebook. We were also hosted by Giuseppe Paccione who gave a tour of his home, part of the castle. Finding some of my noble ancestors on the wall https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/WhatsApp-Video-2023-09-26-at-3.20.34-AM-1.mp4 For a tour like ours, contact Letizia Sinisi at www.italyrooting.com