Join us on a heartfelt exploration as George Gingerelli takes us on his remarkable journey of rediscovering his Italian heritage. Picture the scene: George and his sister, motivated by family lore and childhood stories, find themselves piecing together a family puzzle that spans continents and generations. Their emotional voyage led them back to Montescaglioso, Italy, where a century of lost connections was rekindled with newfound relatives. George’s narrative is not just about genealogy; it’s about the joy and profound sense of belonging that comes from reconnecting with family roots. As we listen to George’s captivating tales, we venture into the transformative world of DNA testing and unexpected family revelations. Through vivid anecdotes, we learn about his grandparents’ resilience, their journey from Italy to Worcester, Massachusetts, and the vibrant lives they forged in a new land. George shares the surprises uncovered through DNA testing, offering insights into how these connections enrich our understanding of identity and history. These stories highlight the unbreakable bonds of family and the legacies that continue to shape our lives across generations. The episode culminates in a celebration of Italian-American heritage and the vibrant communities that honor these cultural roots. George discusses his involvement with Italian-American organizations in Las Vegas, emphasizing their role in preserving culture and supporting the next generation through scholarships. From noteworthy figures like Frank Sinatra to the passionate endeavors of cultural committees, the narrative is a tribute to the enduring ties that bind us. This episode invites listeners to appreciate the power of storytelling and the shared memories that not only connect us to our past but also inspire our future. In memory of our dear friend Gianluca de Francesco www.gingerelli.com/famiglia.html Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Uncover the remarkable journey of Italian heritage with brothers Michael and Chip Valleriano, who embarked on a quest to trace their family’s roots back to their great-grandfather’s migration from Italy to the United States. Their passion for genealogy shines through as they share insights from interviews with elder relatives, revealing the stories behind Ellis Island and how their family settled in Cleveland. You’ll learn about Chip’s dedication to preserving family stories and the significance of their surname’s transformation over generations. Explore the fascinating history of unwed mothers in Southern Italy and the adoption practices that impacted many families after Italy’s unification. The brothers recount Lucio’s story, an adopted child who took the name Rocco upon arriving in America, illustrating the challenges of tracing family histories with changing names. As they journey to Serino, a heartwarming discovery awaits when locals recognize their family tree, underscoring the deep emotional and historical ties that bind them to the region. Experience the thrill of unexpected revelations as Michael and Chip connect with a long-lost cousin through a chance encounter on social media, unearthing hidden stories that enrich their understanding of their heritage. They discuss the serendipity and patience required in genealogical research, sharing tales of postponed trips and fortuitous meetings that open doors to new familial connections. This episode promises to inspire listeners to embark on their own genealogical journeys, with hopes of uncovering the profound sense of belonging that comes with understanding one’s roots. Check out Michaels Blog FEMIKE for some great stories   Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Dawn Matera-Corsi delve into the significance of heritage and family roots, particularly focusing on Italian culture. Dawn shares her family’s journey from Ischia to America and discusses her book, ‘Redeem Your Roots,’ which outlines seven keys to connecting with one’s heritage. The discussion emphasizes the importance of family stories, traditions, and the role of food and language in maintaining cultural connections. They also share humorous anecdotes about culinary experiences in Italy and the challenges of learning the Italian language. In this conversation, Dawn Mattera Corsi and Bob Sorrentino explore the intricacies of the Italian language, the significance of dialects, and the importance of connecting with one’s heritage. They discuss the challenges of pronunciation for English speakers, the cultural pride associated with dialects, and the emotional experience of visiting ancestral towns in Italy. The conversation emphasizes the value of genealogical research and the joy of discovering family connections, as well as the broader implications of cultural identity and the role of DNA in understanding one’s roots.  https://dawnmattera.com  Heritage is a vital part of our identity. Connecting with family roots can enrich our lives. Food is a powerful way to connect with culture. Traditions help us honor our ancestors. Language learning fosters deeper cultural connections. Family stories enhance children’s self-confidence. Traveling to ancestral homelands can be transformative. Cultural associations create a sense of belonging. Understanding heritage can bridge generational gaps. Embracing our roots leads to a richer life. Italian pronunciation can be challenging for English speakers. Dialects in Italy are not just accents; they are distinct languages. Traveling to your ancestral home can be a profound experience. Genealogical research can help connect with family roots. Italian dialects foster a sense of community and pride. The warmth of Italians makes connecting with family easier. Technology aids in bridging language barriers while traveling. Cultural identity can be explored through various means, including DNA testing. Understanding cultural heritage enriches personal identity. The journey of discovering roots can lead to unexpected connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heritage and Family Roots 05:40 Exploring the Seven Keys to Heritage Redemption 12:05 The Importance of Family Stories and Traditions 18:32 Cultural Insights and Culinary Experiences 25:33 The Importance of Dialects in Italian Culture 32:32 The Journey of Discovering Family Roots 41:40 Conclusion and Encouragement to Explore Heritage Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

My Photos from St’ Nick’s Bari 9/23 IMG_0887 IMG_0885 IMG_0888 IMG_0889 IMG_0890 IMG_0891 IMG_0892 IMG_0893 IMG_0894 I will always remember the feast day of St. Nicola because my grandmother would always send a card to my dad on Dec. 6. It was also the start of the Christmas season for us as we would always get a little something from St. Nick.   Click Photo to Purchase Direct Or buy on Amazon Join Italian Roots and Genealogy on Facebook St. Nicholas Day, feast day (December 6) of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, of a number of cities, and of sailors and children, among many other groups, and was noted for his generosity. Some countries celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 5. Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on Monday, December 6, 2021. History After the Reformation, St. Nicholas was largely forgotten in Protestant Europe, although his memory was kept alive in Holland as Sinterklaas. There St. Nicholas is said to arrive on horseback on his feast day, dressed in a bishop’s red robe and mitre and accompanied by Black Peter (Zwarte Piet), variously described as a freed slave or a Moor, to help him distribute sweets and presents to good children or lumps of coal, potatoes, or switches to bad ones. The Dutch took the tradition to New Amsterdam (now New York City) in the American colonies, where he was transformed into Santa Claus by the English-speaking majority. His legend of a kindly old man was united with old Nordic folktales of a magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good children with presents. The resulting image of Santa Claus in the United States crystallized in the 19th century, and he has ever since remained the patron of the gift-giving festival of Christmas. In Britain he was largely replaced with Father Christmas. St. NicholasSt. Nicholas distributing gifts to well-behaved children. Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty Images Traditions Discern the real St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, from the gift-giving Santa Claus of yuletideLearn about the life of the historical St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.See all videos for this article In parts of northern Europe, particularly the Low Countries and some German-speaking areas, St. Nicholas Day has remained a time when children are given special cookies, candies, and gifts. In many places, children leave letters for St. Nicholas and carrots or grass for his donkey or horse. In the morning, they find small presents under their pillows or in the shoes, stockings, or plates they have set out for him. Oranges and chocolate coins are common treats that represent St. Nicholas’s legendary rescue of three impoverished girls by paying their marriage dowries with gold. Candy canes, which have the shape of a bishop’s crosier, are also given. It is thought that over the centuries the legendary St. Nicholas was merged with similar cultural and religious figures. Significant among these were the pagan Knecht Ruprecht and the Roman figure of Befana, as well as the Christ Child (Christkind, or Kris Kringle). A number of countries have traditions in which a malevolent character accompanies St. Nicholas. In France, Père Fouettard, who legend holds tried to cook three boys in a barrel of brine, is said to whip naughty children or give them coal. In Germany, Knecht Ruprecht serves as St. Nicholas’s servant and gives children who do not know their prayers sticks, stones, or coal. The terrifying devil-like Krampus is common in many central European counties and carries chains, bells, and sometimes a large basket with which to threaten naughty children. St. NicholasSt. Nicholas reviving three boys from the pickling tub, oak sculpture, South Netherlandish, c. 1500; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Photograph by Trevor Little. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1916 (16.32.193) Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “St. Nicholas Day”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Oct. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Nicholas-Day. Accessed 6 December 2021.  

Discover the transformative journey of Bill Sallurday as he uncovers his Italian roots, tracing his family lineage back to the picturesque village of San Cipriano Picentino. With a passion for genealogy, Bill’s relentless research has revealed his family’s true surname, Sabato, and connected over 8,000 individuals through a comprehensive genealogical database. His dedication not only reconnected him with his heritage but also earned him honorary citizenship from the village, highlighting the profound impact of his work. Tune in to hear about the unexpected paths and serendipitous moments that genealogy can lead to, from newfound relatives to heartwarming family reunions. Embark on a personal journey through Italy, as Bill recounts his visit to San Cipriano Picentino, a quaint village at the base of the Amalfi Coast. Through social media, Bill discovered a street painting linked to his ancestors’ home, unveiling deep familial ties and showcasing the power of digital connections in tracing one’s roots. Hear stories of unexpected connections, like a train ride that led to a spontaneous visit to Florence, illustrating how genealogy can bring families closer, bridging distances and generations. Bill’s experience emphasizes the importance of community resources like Antenati, and how they can help unearth rich family histories. Explore the practical side of genealogy research with insights into using Family Tree Maker and Ancestry. Discover how to manage databases, identify duplicates, and creatively utilize search strategies to map the geographic spread of descendants. With tools like Steve Morse’s advanced search interface, listeners can learn to navigate the intricacies of genealogy, from seeking dual citizenship to expanding their family tree globally. This episode is not just about tracing lineage; it’s about inspiring others to embark on their genealogical adventures, enriching their understanding of family history, and connecting with their past in meaningful ways. #italianimmigrants #italianculture Wandering Spectator Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video