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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Vincent Maione, the chairman of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. They discuss Vincent's family's immigration story from Italy to New Jersey, the rich Italian heritage in the state, and the commission's efforts to promote Italian culture and history in schools. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining cultural identity, reflections on family history during wartime, and the role of Italian Americans in shaping the community.

• Vincent's family immigrated to New Jersey in 1964.
• The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission was established to preserve Italian culture.
• The commission aims to integrate Italian heritage lessons into school curriculums.
• Vincent emphasizes the importance of cultural pride and education.

New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission

Preserving and Promoting Italian Heritage in New Jersey 

Our Mission
The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission (NJIHC) is committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Italians and Italian Americans in New Jersey. Through education, community engagement, and advocacy, we ensure that Italian contributions to history, arts, and society are recognized and honored for generations to come.

Our Vision
We envision a future where the legacy of Italian heritage continues to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Italian culture among all people. By developing educational programs, cultural initiatives, and historical preservation efforts, we aim to keep the Italian spirit alive in the Garden State.

Our Commitment to Education
At the core of our mission is a dedication to education. The NJIHC has developed a comprehensive K-12 curriculum designed to integrate Italian and Italian American history, culture, and achievements into classrooms across New Jersey. This curriculum, aligned with state educational standards, provides students with engaging lessons that highlight the profound impact of Italians on American society.

Beyond the classroom, we further our educational mission through public programs, cultural events, and community initiatives that bring Italian heritage to life. From book lectures, workshops to art exhibits and storytelling, we aim to educate and inspire individuals of all ages about the contributions of Italians in New Jersey and beyond.

Our Goal
Our goal is to provide meaningful resources, events, and collaborations that highlight the impact of Italians in New Jersey. We work with educators, community leaders, and cultural institutions to integrate Italian heritage into schools, promote Italian American achievements, and support initiatives that strengthen our community.

To learn more about our work or to get involved, visit njitalianheritage.org.

Contact: Executive Director - Margaret Fontana [email protected] 

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews award-winning author Carmen Amato, who shares her Italian heritage and family history, particularly focusing on her roots in Calabria. They discuss the journey of Italian immigrants to the United States, the challenges they faced, and the vibrant Italian-American community in upstate New York. Carmen reflects on her upbringing, the influence of her family stories on her writing, and her experiences during World War II. She also shares insights from her career in the CIA and how it has shaped her fiction writing. The conversation touches on travel experiences in Italy, the importance of genealogy, and the secrets of family history, culminating in Carmen's future writing projects.

Carmen Amato is the award-winning author of 18 mysteries and thrillers. Starting with Cliff Diver, her Detective Emilia Cruz mystery series pits the first female police detective in Acapulco against cartels, corruption and social inequality amid the search for Mexico’s missing. Optioned for television, National Public Radio hailed it as “A thrilling series.”

Carmen’s Galliano Club historical fiction thrillers include Murder at the Galliano Club, which won the 2023 Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical. Her standalone political thriller The Hidden Light of Mexico City was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.

A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal. Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee.

Website: https://carmenamato.net/links

Newsletter: https://mysteryahead.substack.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/authorcarmenamato

Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorcarmenamato

• Carmen Amato's family hails from Calabria, Italy.
• Italian immigrants faced significant challenges upon arriving in the U.S.
• The Italian-American community in upstate New York is rich and vibrant.
• Carmen's upbringing was heavily influenced by her Italian heritage.
• Her writing is inspired by family stories and historical events.
• World War II had a profound impact on her mother's life.
• Carmen's career in the CIA provided unique insights for her writing.
• Traveling to Italy evokes a sense of home for Carmen.
• Genealogy research has uncovered family secrets and stories.
• Carmen's future projects include more historical fiction inspired by her family.

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Nick Cimino, who shares his journey of exploring his Italian roots and family history. Nick discusses his family's migration from Sicily to the United States, the challenges of finding Italian products in Texas, and his passion for ancestry research. He recounts his experiences visiting Sicily, connecting with relatives, and helping others with their genealogy. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural connections and the joy of discovering family heritage.

For more information, check out Nick's website Ancestor Puzzles and Facebook group Ancestor Puzzles

• Nick's grandfather was born in Lentini, Sicily.
• The family migrated to Omaha due to labor demand.
• Chain migration played a significant role in their settlement.
• Nick's interest in ancestry began with a family tree project.
• He organized Zoom meetings during the pandemic for genealogy.
• Nick visited Sicily in 2022 and connected with relatives.
• He helps others with their ancestry research through Ancestor Puzzles.
• Cultural connections are vital in understanding family history.
• Nick's wife has Native American roots and a rich family history.
• The conversation emphasizes the joy of discovering one's heritage.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino speaks with Maria Teresa Quaranta about her Italian heritage, family roots, and the importance of preserving Italian culture in America. They discuss Maria Teresa's family history, her experiences growing up in an Italian enclave, and her travels to Italy. The conversation also touches on the significance of Italian cuisine, language, and traditions, as well as Maria's efforts to teach Italian heritage to future generations through her business and bilingual book.

Piccolo Futuro 

Maria Teresa identifies mainly with being from Campania.

• Her great-grandmother shared stories of her immigration journey.
• Maria wishes she had learned the Napolitan dialect from her grandfather.
• Arthur Avenue is a true representation of Italian craftsmanship.
• Maria travels to Italy frequently, connecting with her roots.
• Her grandfather's town is known for one of Italy's top wines.
• She didn't grow up on typical Italian-American dishes.
• Maria emphasizes the importance of preserving Italian culture in America.
• She wrote a bilingual financial literacy book for children.
• Her grandfather instilled in her the pride of being Italian.

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Join Bob Sorrentino in this captivating conversation as he dives into a heartfelt journey with Annette Gina and Ernesto, three lifelong residents of Corona, Queens! They share treasured tales from their childhood, family ties, and the lively spirit of community life in Corona. This engaging dialogue explores the rich cultural heritage of the Italian community, the influence of local politics, and the remarkable transformations within the neighborhood over the years. Through their personal anecdotes, they celebrate the essence of community, identity, and the enduring bonds of family and friends.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Egizia Santilli Brown, who shares her remarkable journey from childhood in Italy to her life in Canada. Egizia discusses her experiences growing up in a small Italian town, the vibrant festivals that marked her childhood, and the challenges of immigrating to a new country. She emphasizes the importance of community, family traditions, and the preservation of cultural identity through language and food. Egizia's passion for teaching Italian and sharing her heritage shines through as she reflects on her life and the lessons learned along the way.

• Her childhood in Italy was marked by simplicity and community, with shared resources among neighbors.
• Festivals in Italy were vibrant and community-oriented, with parades and celebrations that brought everyone together.
• Immigrating to Canada at a young age, Egizia faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language.
• She became a translator for her family and community, helping others navigate life in Canada.
• Egizia's experiences reflect the strong ties of family and community in Italian culture.
• The importance of preserving cultural traditions, such as food and language, is emphasized throughout her story.
• Learning Italian involves understanding the nuances of pronunciation and grammar, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.
• Egizia's passion for teaching Italian stems from her desire to share her heritage with others.
• The conversation highlights the differences between life in Italy and North America, particularly in terms of community and family dynamics.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Anthony Castelvecchi delve into the rich tapestry of Italian roots and genealogy. They explore personal family histories, the impact of immigration, and the significance of DNA testing in uncovering ancestral connections. The discussion also highlights the importance of traveling to Italy to connect with one's heritage and offers valuable advice for young people interested in researching their family history. Throughout the conversation, the hosts share anecdotes and insights that reflect the deep cultural ties and stories that shape Italian-American identity.

Takeaways

• The significance of last names in understanding family heritage.
• Exploring multiple regions of Italy can reveal diverse ancestry.
• Immigration stories provide context to family histories.
• DNA testing can uncover unexpected family connections.
• Traveling to Italy enhances the understanding of one's roots.
• Engaging with family members can yield valuable historical insights.
• Genealogy research often requires detective work and patience.
• Local communities in Italy can offer connections to family history.
• Understanding the historical context of immigration is crucial.
• Everyone has a unique story worth discovering.

Instagram:

oriundi_

https://www.instagram.com/oriundi_/

Facebook:

ORIUNDI
https://www.facebook.com/groups/oriundigroup

Blog:

ORIUNDI

https://oriundiblog.blogspot.com/

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews director and actress Michelle Danner, exploring her journey from New York to Los Angeles, her film 'The Italians', and the importance of family and cultural heritage. Danner shares insights on acting, the significance of food in Italian culture, and her experiences in filmmaking, emphasizing the need for actors to learn their craft. The discussion also touches on personal stories about family, love, and the creative process behind her films.

• New York accents can add depth to characters.
• The film 'Italians' explores family love and forgiveness.
• Michelle's great-grandmother influenced her deeply.
• Food plays a central role in Italian family gatherings.
• Acting requires learning and understanding the craft.
• Shooting on film offers a unique experience.
• Cultural heritage shapes storytelling in film.
• Family dynamics can be both chaotic and loving.
• The importance of finding one's audience in film.
• Art and heart are intertwined in creative expression.

The craft of acting is as alluring as it is mysterious, and it takes a being of great passion, insight, and determination in order to succeed.  But to teach acting – to inspire creative souls to successfully harvest those tools – requires an even greater commitment, to bring out the best in each and every actor one encounters.

            That passion and commitment are the hallmarks of the career of filmmaker, acting coach, and performer Michelle Danner, for decades one of the industry’s most respected and successful teachers, and now a successful director who continues to grow and expand her creative universe, hoping to set an example for her students and peers.  “The important thing is to keep growing as an artist, to keep raising the bar for yourself,” explains Danner.  “In order to be passionate, you have to keep expanding, you have to keep growing, you have to keep pushing yourself.”

For Danner that meant the release of the courtroom drama “Miranda’s Victim” in 2023, wrapping production on the comedy “The Italians,” and beginning production on a new film in Italy. 

https://www.michelledanner.com

www.allinfilms.com

https://www.instagram.com/michelledannerla/

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino speaks with Tom DeSimone about their Italian roots, family histories, and the fascinating stories that come from tracing ancestry. They discuss the importance of talking to older family members, the challenges of genealogy research, and the cultural connections that shape their identities. Tom shares personal anecdotes about his family's migration to America, the role of churches in accessing historical records, and the surprising discoveries he made while researching his lineage. The conversation also touches on the significance of language and the desire to reconnect with Italian heritage through travel and learning.

• Talk to the oldest people in your family for insights.
• Genealogy research can reveal surprising family connections.
• Churches can be valuable resources for historical records.
• Family names often repeat across generations, complicating research.
• Traveling to Italy can deepen your connection to your roots.
• Understanding family migration patterns is crucial in genealogy.
• Language plays a significant role in cultural identity.
• Recording family stories can preserve history for future generations.
• Asking the right questions is key in genealogy research.
• Family traditions and stories shape our understanding of identity.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the creator of 'Blood Type Ragu,' exploring themes of Italian heritage, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Frank shares his family's journey from Sicily to America, the challenges they faced, and the cultural nuances that shaped his identity. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling in preserving family history, the differences in food traditions, and the emotional impact of reconnecting with family in Sicily. Frank's experiences highlight the resilience of immigrant families and the rich tapestry of Italian-American culture.

• Frank is the son of Sicilian immigrants from Mazzara del Vallo, Sicily.
• His family came to America in 1949 after World War II.
• Frank's father was born in America but returned to Sicily as a child.
• His mother struggled with homesickness after moving to America.
• Frank visited Sicily at the age of seven, gaining insight into his mother's life.
• He reconnected with family in Sicily after years of separation.
• Frank's one-man show, 'Blood Type Ragu,' explores his family stories.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Blood Type: RAGU is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story. A one-man play exploring a first-generation immigrant child’s delicate dance between searching for identity, embracing Sicilian roots, and understanding forgiveness. Writer/Performer Frank Ingrasciotta gives a tour-de-force portrayal of over 20 characters who live, love, and laugh, in this fast-paced journey that is not just a comedy, not just a drama — It’s family — and we all have one! 

ABOUT FRANK

FRANK INGRASCIOTTA (writer/performer) Acting: Original Off-Broadway production of Godspell, Valley of the Dolls, Three Postcards, What Would Nora Ephron Say?, Dinner at 8, Edgar Degas in The Girl in the Blue Armchair, and the Pharaoh in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. TV: Five years as Rene Buchanan’s head maître d’ on One Life to Live, other recurring roles on The Guiding Light, All My Children, ABC Afterschool Specials, and The Equalizer. Film: Featured roles in the award-winning SAG films Figs for Italo and Brooklyn in July directed by Bob Celli, presently touring the film festival circuit. 

Stream the Ragu

www.bloodtyperagu.com

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

Support the show

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