Francesca La Torre, a first-generation American with deep Sicilian roots, brings a tapestry of fascinating stories that illuminate the Italian American experience. Raised in Oakland, California, Francesca shares the vibrant contrasts she encountered between her American upbringing and her family’s rich Sicilian traditions. From her father’s sense of belonging within San Francisco’s Italian community to enchanting tales of her parents’ whirlwind romance, Francesca offers a heartfelt glimpse into how cultural connections shape identity and belonging. The episode takes a poignant turn as Francesca reveals a deeply personal family secret involving her father’s adoption, uncovered only after his passing. This unexpected revelation led to profound reflections on identity and family roots, sparking a journey to connect with newfound relatives through DNA matches. With passion and emotion, Francesca narrates the complexities of acquiring Italian citizenship and piecing together her father’s mysterious past, highlighting the emotional weight of unearthing hidden family histories and the joy of reconnecting with long-lost relatives. Amidst these personal narratives, Francesca emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions. She recounts her efforts to learn Italian and shares her brother Manuel’s dedication to revitalizing a historic Italian club in San Francisco. The episode celebrates the resilience required to maintain cultural heritage across generations and the joy of passing cherished traditions to future family members. Through heartfelt stories of travel, family, and community, listeners are invited to reflect on the enduring bonds that transcend borders and time. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

What if a single journey could unravel years of forgotten history? Join us as we uncover the mesmerizing tale of Italian immigrants in America with Joe Tucciarone, the insightful co-author of “Italians Swindled to New York.” You’ll be captivated by the story of nearly 3,000 Italians deceived into coming to the United States in 1872, only to find themselves stranded and vulnerable in New York City. Their subsequent journey to Richmond, Virginia, to fill a labor gap left by the Civil War, and their role in a significant railroad tunnel project, are tales of resilience and contribution that predate the widely known mass migration of the 1880s. Bold claims about the Gilded Age’s influx of Italian immigrants and the swindling Padrons set the stage for a deep dive into the complex dynamics of immigration through Ellis Island. Joe helps us peel back layers of history to reveal the harsh working conditions these immigrants faced and the resentment from native-born Americans. We also discuss the anti-Italian bias prevalent during that era, drawing thoughtful comparisons to today’s societal issues. Plus, the episode critiques the historical accuracy of the film “Cabrini,” which showcases Mother Cabrini’s efforts in the Five Points neighborhood, highlighting the struggles and perseverance of Italian immigrants. Finally, brace yourself for a gripping recount of Italian immigrants in Churchill, Ohio, who faced severe violence as strikebreakers in coal mines. This chapter brings to light the tragic story of Giovanni Chiesa, arguably the first Italian lynched in the United States, emphasizing the need to remember such harrowing events. We wrap up by highlighting Joe Tucciarone’s YouTube channel, “Italian American History,” and teasing an exciting collaboration with Michael Cavalieri. This episode is packed with intriguing historical narratives and insights that promise to leave you reflecting on the past and its relevance to our present. 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.  

Could DNA testing revolutionize your understanding of family history? Join us as we uncover this fascinating topic with Andrew Martin, host of the Family Histories Podcast.Andrew’s unique show format, born out of the UK’s lockdown in 2021, includes an interview, a life story, and a genealogical brick wall challenge. He shares how his creative process turned isolation into an opportunity for connection within the genealogy community. We also explore the joys and hurdles of guest interviews and the thrill of forging new relationships with fellow genealogy enthusiasts. Ever wondered if your ancestors had secrets? Listen to stories of unexpected lineage discoveries, from a London genealogist who unearthed a new Churchill branch to a Swedish researcher uncovering an ancestor’s secret life in the US. We discuss the revolutionary impact of DNA testing on family history research, covering the diverse practices between British and Italian families. I also share a personal anecdote about uncovering my own family’s struggles, drawing connections to the economic issues we face today. Serendipity in family history can lead to extraordinary revelations. Hear about chance encounters that shaped destinies, like my great-grandparents’ marriage that almost didn’t happen, and a grandfather who left the seminary after a fateful meeting. We navigate the complexities of family roots, sharing a remarkable story of a five-times great-grandfather who emigrated to the USA in his late 60s. Plus, get a sneak peek into Series 8 of Andrew’s podcast and enjoy a light-hearted discussion on his Scandinavian and Viking ancestry. Tune in for a captivating exploration of the unpredictable and enthralling world of genealogy. 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.  

Italian migration to the United States is a storied history. Join me and my partner Michael Cavalieri from “Never Forget Your Roots” for our first “Roots and Reflections Episode as we discuss Italian Immigration and Stereotypes with Tommy Damigella and Joe Tucciarone co-author of “Italians Swindled to NY” Also see some other great posts on the topics that we discuss on the broadcast. “Never Forget Your Roots” on Facebook Click here to join our group on Facebook Video Purchase Swindled to New York Purchase Farmers and Nobles Purchase Stories, Streets, and Saints: Purchase Photographs and Oral Histories from Boston’s North End  

What if you discovered a hidden chapter in your family’s history that changed the way you see yourself? This episode features Joseph Walls, whose journey into genealogy was sparked by the emotional discovery of his grandfather’s experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. We explore how this revelation led Joseph to delve into his mother’s Italian heritage, uncovering the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations by his great-grandfather Nando, and how these narratives have shaped his identity. Our conversation takes you through the intricate process of tracing Italian ancestry, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of researching family records in different regions of Italy. From the excitement of finding tangible pieces of history like the bronze doors at the Mission Inn to the heartbreak of lost family stories, Joseph shares personal anecdotes that underscore the importance of preserving family narratives. We discuss the value of artifacts and the urgency of recording stories from our elders before they fade away. Lastly, we step into the world of DNA testing and the surprising revelations it can bring. Joseph recounts his experiences with DNA testing, the connections he made with distant relatives, and the unexpected branches of his family tree it uncovered. We also discuss the emotional journey of planning a family trip to Italy, the challenges of navigating Italian archives, and the complexities of obtaining dual citizenship. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the profound impact of understanding and preserving our family legacies. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video