Italian Roots and Genealogy Bob Sorrentino

Have you ever been captivated by the stories of your ancestors, the journeys they embarked on, and the experiences that shaped their lives? In our latest episode, we're joined by Arnie Aranci, whose Italian-American roots are as rich and flavorful as the cuisine of his heritage. Arnie enthralls with tales of his father's migration from the picturesque Italian countryside to the United States, his consequential return as a soldier in World War II, and the heartwarming romance that blossomed with his mother, a war bride from Livorno. Each anecdote Arnie shares is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of his family history, a relatable connection for anyone with a lineage reaching across oceans and generations.

Picture the tight-knit Italian communities that helped shape the cultural fabric of America's East Coast. Arnie takes us through the streets of New Haven and into the warm embrace of his family life in post-war Hamden, revealing stories from the local bakeries his father toiled in to celebrity sightings at the legendary Pepe's pizzeria. But history isn't always found in public records; sometimes, it's unearthed through the science of DNA testing. Arnie's foray into genealogy is fraught with the frustration of lost documents but also charged with the thrill of unexpected family discoveries.

As a history teacher, Arnie understands the importance of keeping the stories of the past alive. His reflections on the evolving nature of history education, from Reconstruction to recent global events, highlight the need to connect yesterday's lessons with today's realities. And what's a conversation without a little anticipation for the future? Arnie hints at upcoming literary endeavors, inspired by the enthusiastic responses to his novel "Nicla's Story." Join us for a heartfelt episode that celebrates the persistence of memory, the bonds of family, and the continual rediscovery of our shared heritage.
Nicla's StoryNineteen-yearold seamstress Nicla struggles to survive as bombs rain down near her in war-torn ItalyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.
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Embark on an intimate odyssey with our guest Regina Vighetto, as she unveils her family's vibrant migration tapestry from Italy to the coffee farms of São Paulo, Brazil. Her tale is one of resilience and discovery, and unearthing a narrative enriched by ancestral dreams and the quest for prosperity in a new world. As Regina shares her genealogical saga, I can't help but interweave my own pursuit of Italian citizenship, which sparked a genealogy fervor that mirrors her and her husband’s scholarly endeavors in the field at BYU-Idaho. Together, we journey through the poignant realizations that come with genealogical tourism and the heartfelt tug to physically connect with our past.

As we unravel the complex layers of our lineage, we stumble upon the shadowy figures of war deserters and the murky waters of family secrets concealed by time and societal pressures. Our discourse meanders through the revelations that emerge from documents like the Strato di Famiglia and the fascinating tales they tell. We delve into the emotional and cultural implications of an Italian way of life when discussing the seductive slow-pace, the rituals of food shopping, and the tantalizing health benefits of a traditional Italian diet. Whether you're drawn to the mysteries of your own heritage or simply curious about the allure of Italian living, this episode is an exploration of the profound connections between personal history, identity, and the enchanting Italian lifestyle.

In 2019, my husband Henrique Vighetto Neto and I embarked on an online course in Family History at BYU Idaho. We did not know that it could become a profession. In my opinion, this field is currently growing and evolving. As we connect with our ancestors, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and begin to feel like a part of something greater—a family. Soon, we developed a strong desire to come to Italy and pursue our citizenship processes. And so, we did. Let me share a bit of our journey in discovering the Vighetto’s family roots in Turin, Piedmont.
To reconstruct his family tree, we needed the marriage certificate of the Italian ancestor. A quick phone call to his cousin, Iris, led us to the church where Enrico (the Italian grandfather) married Rosa Ianni, and we obtained the document.
Certain aspects of his family history were always recounted: the family’s wealth, complete with a butler; their ownership of the Tobacco and Salt Monopoly; and their business on Via Appia. Additionally, his ancestor was described as war-worn and somewhat neurotic (after we discovered he was a war dissident).
After obtaining our Italian citizenship and settling in Italy, our primary goal was to find living relatives. We scoured documents, visited places (embracing genealogical tourism), and engaged in conversations. We did find family members, but unfortunately, they were all in the cemetery. This particular branch of the family did not flourish. Enrico, the sole son who had fled war memories, was the exception. He wasn’t part of the massive wave of Italian immigrants who left poverty behind between 1880 and 1930, he left for other reason. His family line, however, thrived and bore much fruit.
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Uncover the secrets of Penne as Antonio Baldacchini from the Council of Community Planning joins us for an enchanting exploration of Abruzzo's mesmerizing landscapes and historical tapestry. Step back in time to discover a town where the past lingers in the cobblestoned streets and the future blossoms from the community's vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability. We chat about Penne's rich history, from its pre-Roman roots to the artistic revolutions of the Renaissance, and dig into the unique cultural events that make this town more than just a dot on the map. With Antonio's insight, we savor the authentic flavors of Abruzzese cuisine, where dishes like arrosticini and porchetta not only tantalize the taste buds but also tell the story of a land devoted to culinary tradition.

Settle in as we paint a picture of Abruzzo that's as vivid as the region's lush mountain vistas and as soothing as the Adriatic Sea's gentle waves. In this serene sanctuary, we discuss how the environment nurtures the soul, offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation and innovation, where the air is pure and life's rhythm is set to nature's pulse. The Abruzzese people's warmth truly shines through, as they extend open arms to visitors seeking connection with their heritage or simply a tranquil retreat. Be inspired by the tales of those who have experienced the open-hearted welcome of this Italian gem, and let us entice you to be the next to embrace the splendor and spirit of Abruzzo.
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As distant cousins intertwined by Puerto Rican roots, Valerie Evans joins us to unravel the vibrant story of her dual Italian and Puerto Rican lineage. Our conversation traverses the multicultural neighborhoods of East Harlem, brushes through the historical cobblestones of Sannicandro di Bari and Salerno, and touches on the personal transformations ignited by a family accident and the consequential search for identity. Valerie’s account of her mother's life and her quest to reveal her mysterious Southern Italian father’s past sheds light on the intimate struggles many face in piecing together their family mosaic.

The allure of ancestry pulls us deeper as Valerie shares her foray into DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Together, we navigate the complex web of DNA matches and the painstaking detective work of groups like DNA Detectives. Valerie's narrative is a testament to the persistence of those seeking to connect with their heritage, as she recounts the emotional journey that comes with sifting through the shadows of history to find oneself. Our guest's tenacity and the surprising connections she uncovers emphasize the shared human desire to know where we come from and the bonds that form through these discoveries.

Rounding out our exploration, we reflect on the ways in which digital platforms and travel serve as conduits to cultural preservation and self-discovery. Valerie discusses the role of her website and BariAncestors.com in safeguarding Italian-American stories and the power of stepping onto ancestral soil. We also venture into the heart of Puerto Rico, examining its nuanced relationship with the U.S. and the island's transformation from a land of emigration to a tourist haven. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we celebrate the resilience and diversity of our family legacies while encouraging others to embrace the journey into their own past.

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Italian Marketplace LLCOnline tee shirts, hoodies and more for ItaliansFarmers and NoblesRead about my research story and how to begin your family research.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.
Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

Stepping through the cobblestone streets of my ancestral town, I was embraced by whispers of my past, the tales and traditions of my Italian heritage echoing around me. Now, I invite you to join Jerry Taverna and me through a riveting journey of discovery, from sulfur mines in Sicily and old family stories from Monopoli become living chapters of our rich collective history. Jerry unveils the profound impact his ancestry has had on his life, which led to his involvement in Mike Cavalieri's film premiere, an homage to the struggles and triumphs of the Italian spirit.

With laughter and a few unexpected confessions, we recount the joys and follies of childhood, the remarkable work ethic inherited from our immigrant families, and the deeply resonant experience of setting foot in the very places that cradled our forebears. Our conversation weaves through the fabric of Italian life, from the nurturing embrace of family meals to the importance of preserving our cultural roots against the relentless march of time. We also explore the significance of our naming customs, a reflection of identity and lineage, as we navigate the sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant implications they carry.

Our exchange culminates in a heartfelt reflection on the Italian-American experience, touching on the poignant legacy of Italian POWs in Boston and the enduring bonds of community within cultural organizations. We also celebrate the courage of friends from the St. Joseph's Society, embarking on a new chapter as restaurant owners in Sicily, demonstrating the magnetic pull of our origins. This episode is an ode to the threads that weave the tapestry of our family histories, an invitation to explore the profound connections that shape who we are. Join us for an auditory feast that promises to nourish your soul and perhaps inspire you to seek out the stories within your own lineage.
Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEFarmers and NoblesRead about my research story and how to begin your family research.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.
Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

My grandmother's laugh always had a way of transporting me to her tiny Italian village, a place I'd never been but felt I knew intimately through her stories. This week's episode is a heartfelt homage to the power of family narratives, where Peggy, Josephine, Becky, Frank, Mirella, Ed and I share our adventures in preserving these precious legacies. They unveil their personal quests—from essays capturing the essence of our ancestors to children's books that whisk young readers to the cobblestone streets of Italy—each story is a brushstroke on the canvas of our shared history.

As we navigate the poignant tales of our panel members, the conversation naturally weaves through the importance of capturing the wisdom of our elders before it's too late. We touch on the technological advances that help us immortalize these stories and discuss the emotional weight of documenting family lore. The diverse methods of storytelling presented by our guests, like cookbooks sprinkled with poetry and genealogical pursuits on digital platforms, remind us all of the threads that connect us to our past and the urgency of keeping them intact.

Venturing into the individuality of Italian heritage, we feel the pulse of ancient dialects and the resilience of immigrant communities. Mirella's family saga during World War II paints a vivid picture of survival and new beginnings, while our panelists reflect on the importance of cultural memory and the efforts to sustain it amidst changing landscapes. As our episode closes, we extend an open invitation to you, our listeners, to explore your own family tapestry, and share in the deeper conversation of who we are and where we come from.
Teddy Bianco goes to ItalyTravel to Italy for kidsThrough a Childs EyesGerman bombs fell on the enchanting village of San Pietro Infine, destroying homes. Growing Up Italian American-IannuccilliGreat stories about growing up Italian in AmericaMy North End Family Stories Peggy writes about her family who settled in Boston’s Italian enclave, the North End. Life's JourneyBased on the real-life experiences of the author's paternal grandmother.Farmers and NoblesRead about my research story and how to begin your family research.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.
Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.