Have you ever wondered what hidden stories lie in your family’s past? In this emotional episode, we sit down with Gina Ciambella as she takes us on a poignant journey of discovery, tracing her Italian heritage from Michigan back to a small village near Naples. Gina unveils her father’s harrowing experiences during World War II, including his escape from a concentration camp truck and the tragic fate of her grandfather, Antonio, at the hands of German soldiers. Through meticulous research, Gina unearths surprising truths, revealing a legacy of resilience and bravery that has profoundly shaped her family.
Love, cultural expectations, and familial resilience come alive as we recount the host’s mother’s incredible tale. From an arranged marriage that faced numerous obstacles to a whirlwind romance full of unexpected twists, her journey highlights the complexities of familial duty and personal choice. Despite job loss and immigration challenges, her parents’ love endured, leading to a 43-year marriage and the raising of four children in America. This narrative offers a captivating glimpse into the complexities of love and the strength it takes to overcome barriers.
We also explore the charm and simplicity of European life, contrasting it with the American lifestyle. From the close-knit communities in small Italian towns to the emphasis on fresh, pesticide-free produce, we highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and maintaining connections to our roots. Reflecting on how these values can be passed down to future generations, we discuss the tranquility of towns like Scilla in Calabria and the lasting impact of family stories. Join us to appreciate the enduring passion for Italian culture and the significance of keeping our heritage alive for our children and grandchildren.
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For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.
Breathing Life into the Italian Immigrant Story with Joe Orazi
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
Hidden In Plain Site: Internment Camps in Southern Italy
Join us as we journey into the overlooked chapters of World War II history with our esteemed guest, Carmine Vittoria, author of the insightful book, Hidden in Plain Site. This episode promises to unravel not just the tales of hidden internment camps in Southern Italy under the reign of Mussolini, but also the gripping dynamics of post-war migration and internment in Italy. We’ll delve into the heart-tugging realities of internment towns wiped out by bombings,
Researching San Valentino Torio Campania
Mark D’Ambrosi talks about his roots in San Valentino Torio and the website that he created for families from the town. www.sanvalentinotoriofamilies.com Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video
Researching Lettere Campania
Fascinating interview with attorney and author Michael Fattorosi on how a rainy day in Positano led to his uncovering his ancestors in Lettere Campania. Michael has done extensive research and has copied thousands of records from Lettere that he plans to release to the public. Check out his site archiviodilettere.com. And don’t forget the Book Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video
Τhe Journey Home – Day 2 – Naples
Click here to join out Facebook group One of the things I really wanted to try was the Frecciarossa fast train from Rome to Naples, and in a sense we did try it. When we arrived at the station I noticed that there were a lot of delays up to 60 minutes and increasing. That being said our train was not showing any. We were due to leave at 4 PM and our train was
Bitter Chicory, To Sweet Espresso — From WWII Naples to The USA
Visit Our Shop Carmine Vittoria, retired professor at Northeastern University in Boston, born in Avella in 1940 and emigrated to the United States at the age of 11, retraces the stages of his childhood in his native land during the bitter times of the Second World War. The merit of this autobiographical writing is the continuous bounce between the narrator’s private facts and well-known national and international historical events of the 1940s. The narrator is
