Categories: Podcast

Italian Immigrants in 19th Century America

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

Video

For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.

Little Italy

Little Italy — Italian Harlem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iAgrVVeGk4 In 1878, Italians from Salerno first arrived and made their homes on East 115th Street. Over the next twenty years, Italians from Southern Italy and Sicily moved into the area between 96th Street and 116th Street east of Lexington Ave., and between 116th Street and 125th Street east of Madison Ave. Originally it was known as Italian Harlem and later referred to as the first “Little Italy” in New York City. Our Lady of

February 4, 2023 No Comments

Little Italy

Little Italy – New York

Click here to join Italian Genealogy Group on Facebook Wikipedia lists not one, but six “Little Italy’s” in New York City. Manhattan Italian Harlem Arthur Avenue Morris Park Bensonhurst Rosebank So NYC tops the list with the most. In addition, there were dozens of Italian neighborhoods in the five boroughs from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. Pockets still remain, but most of these areas are no longer populated by just Italians. For example, Little Italy

February 1, 2023 1 Comment

Podcast

Italians Swindled To New York

The unification of Italy in 1861 launched a new European nation promising to fulfill the dreams of Italians, yet millions of poor peasants still found themselves in economic desperation. By 1872, an army of speculators had invaded the countryside, hawking steamship tickets and promising fabulous riches in America. Thousands of immigrants fled to the New World, only to be abandoned upon arrival and forced to find work in hard labor. New York placed victims of

April 21, 2022 No Comments

Biography

Oral History Of Italian Americans

Visit Our Shop Bob talks with Anthony about his books that chronicle the stories of Italian Immigrants in New England. Anthony Riccio grew up in an old ethnic neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut, where the constant hum of the local American Steel and Wire mill could be heard in the well-tended backyards of Italian immigrants. He returned to the ancestral villages of his grandparents while pursuing an M.A. from Syracuse University in Florence, Italy and

July 1, 2021 No Comments

Biography

Thomas Jefferson’s Italian Friend – Filippo Mazzei

As I was doing research on Italian Heritage Month, I came across Thomas Jefferson’s friend from Italy, Phillip ( Filippo ) Mazzei. I had never heard of him before, so I decided to dig around and find how this came to pass. Very interesting and in fact, he was the person that came up with “All men are created equal”. or at least something very close, which as we know, Thomas Jefferson put into the

October 4, 2019 No Comments

Biography

New York City Italian Families

Those of us that are baby boomers, and grew up to Italian families in the US, probably had some of the best times. I was blessed by having two great New York City Italian families. I always wanted to write a book about growing up, but now the blogging is so much better and you get instant feedback that you would not get in a book. My plan is to post more and more, especially

March 8, 2019 No Comments