Categories: Podcast

The Power of Genealogy: Unraveling Italian-American Stories

Ever wondered about the fascinating journey of Italian immigrants in the early 1900s? Join me as I explore this captivating genealogy history with Laura Giometta, whose Sicilian and Roman roots have led her on an incredible genealogy research adventure. We’ll uncover the stories of her family’s move to the United States through Ellis Island, their settlement in the Chicago area and Rockford, Illinois, and the vibrant Italian-American communities they became part of, such as Little Sicily and mine in Corona Queens.

 As we follow Laura’s family history, we’ll also discuss the rich Italian-American traditions and customs, such as wearing black for mourning and the practice of traditional three-day funerals. Laura’s diligent research and the latest advancements in AI technology have connected her to some amazing discoveries. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation about the importance of understanding our past to inform our present. Laura’s passion for uncovering the intricate details of her Italian heritage is truly motivating, and her story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the incredible new connections we can make through genealogy research.

Podcast

Video

Researching Nicolosi Sicily

Randall Di Stefano talks about his family from Nicolosi and how they settled in East Hampton Conn with some taking up the interesting trade of bell making. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

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Researching Castellammare Del Golfo Sicily

Celia Milano began her research 20 years ago before the internet tools we have today. Listen to how she contacted family by letter. We also discuss her three books. I was born in New York City and raised in Yonkers, New York. I have several degrees, including an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Technology from Thomas A. Edison State College in Trenton, NJ, a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Georgian Court University in

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Where do Italians Come From? — The Ancient Sicilian Tribes

It is believed that the first people arrived in Sicily by sea as early as 20,000 BC.  Most likely from Western and Central Europe.  There were three tribes, the Elymians, the Sicani and the Siculi, from which Sicily gets it’s name.  The Siculi were the last to arrive on the island, and were related to the Italic peoples of Southern Italy, most likely the Italoi of Calabria, the Oenotrians, Chones, Leutarni, Opicans and Ausones.  Although

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History of Sicily Italy

My connection to Sicily is interesting.  While not really Sicilian, many of my ancestors had some hand in ruling there, either directly of indirectly.  For example, the Hauteville, Hohenstaufen, Angevin French, the Argagonese and Spanish Hapsburgs are all part of my family tree going back almost 1000 years.  Also, my wife’s mom is from Sciaccia, and her family is Proietto, Baldasanno, DeMino, Gelardi and some Cusumano. Reading through the history, it’s not surprising that when

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Researching Sicily — “The Lady of the Wheel”

In this episode I talk to Angelo Coniglio about his family research and his book “The Lady of the Wheel”. Angelo explains naming conventions of the abandoned children and how poorly they were treated. This is a story set in Racalmuto, Sicily in the late nineteenth century. As historical fiction, it deals with a heartbreaking aspect of parenting: the practice of of leaving unwanted children in a revolving door or wheel (ruota) of a church,

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Researching Limina Sicily

Visit Our Shop Actor/Write/Director Michael Cavalieri talks about finding his roots in Limina Sicily and the production of his award winning film “Ritornato The Movie“. Michael Cavalieri is an Actor and first time Writer/Director originally from New York. His Directorial Debut “Ritornato” which he also stars in was awarded a special grant by the Russo Brothers, the Directors of Avengers: Endgame (the highest grossing film of all time), the National Italian American Foundation and the

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Bob

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