Italian Roots and Genealogy

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Could DNA testing revolutionize your understanding of family history? Join us as we uncover this fascinating topic with Andrew Martin, host of the Family Histories Podcast. Andrew’s unique show format, born out of the UK's lockdown in 2021, includes an interview, a life story, and a genealogical brick wall challenge. He shares how his creative process turned isolation into an opportunity for connection within the genealogy community. We also explore the joys and hurdles of guest interviews and the thrill of forging new relationships with fellow genealogy enthusiasts.

Ever wondered if your ancestors had secrets? Listen to stories of unexpected lineage discoveries, from a London genealogist who unearthed a new Churchill branch to a Swedish researcher uncovering an ancestor’s secret life in the US. We discuss the revolutionary impact of DNA testing on family history research, covering the diverse practices between British and Italian families. I also share a personal anecdote about uncovering my own family's struggles, drawing connections to the economic issues we face today.

Serendipity in family history can lead to extraordinary revelations. Hear about chance encounters that shaped destinies, like my great-grandparents' marriage that almost didn’t happen, and a grandfather who left the seminary after a fateful meeting. We navigate the complexities of family roots, sharing a remarkable story of a five-times great-grandfather who emigrated to the USA in his late 60s. Plus, get a sneak peek into Series 8 of Andrew's podcast and enjoy a light-hearted discussion on his Scandinavian and Viking ancestry. Tune in for a captivating exploration of the unpredictable and enthralling world of genealogy.

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What if you discovered a hidden chapter in your family's history that changed the way you see yourself? This episode features Joseph Walls, whose journey into genealogy was sparked by the emotional discovery of his grandfather's experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. We explore how this revelation led Joseph to delve into his mother's Italian heritage, uncovering the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations by his great-grandfather Nando, and how these narratives have shaped his identity.

Our conversation takes you through the intricate process of tracing Italian ancestry, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of researching family records in different regions of Italy. From the excitement of finding tangible pieces of history like the bronze doors at the Mission Inn to the heartbreak of lost family stories, Joseph shares personal anecdotes that underscore the importance of preserving family narratives. We discuss the value of artifacts and the urgency of recording stories from our elders before they fade away.

Lastly, we step into the world of DNA testing and the surprising revelations it can bring. Joseph recounts his experiences with DNA testing, the connections he made with distant relatives, and the unexpected branches of his family tree it uncovered. We also discuss the emotional journey of planning a family trip to Italy, the challenges of navigating Italian archives, and the complexities of obtaining dual citizenship. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the profound impact of understanding and preserving our family legacies.

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Ever wondered how far back your family roots can go? Join us for a remarkable journey into Italian ancestry and family history with our special guest, John Clarkin. After retiring in 2020, John embarked on a mission to honor his grandfather by tracing his lineage back to the early 1800s. Through civil and church records, John discovered distant relatives and unearthed historical connections even dating back to the 1400s. He shares the heartfelt and often surprising revelations of his family's roots in Faleria and the Campobasso region, offering a unique perspective on why many people only start exploring their heritage later in life.

Listen as John recounts his multiple trips to Italy, particularly to the seemingly uneventful village of Faleria, which proved to be a goldmine of genealogical discoveries. From photographing headstones to delving into diocesan records in Civita Castellana and Nepi, John paints a vivid picture of the challenges and rewards inherent in genealogical research. Learn about the interconnected nature of families in small Italian towns and the classic immigrant experience of seeking opportunities in the US while supporting families back home. John's humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections will transport you to the heart of Italian family life, both past and present.

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Italy as John shares his experience creating a PowerPoint presentation that captivated his audience and earned recognition from the mayor. Discover the historical significance of Giuseppe Agnani's book and the importance of preserving heritage, especially when original records have been lost. From tales of resilience during the fascist era and World War II to nostalgic memories of Italian-American neighborhoods in New York and Pittsburgh, this episode offers a rich tapestry of family heritage. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Italian traditions, cultural history, and the vibrant community life that continues to thrive on shared experiences and human connections.

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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.

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

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Ever wondered how tracing your roots could change your life? Our latest episode promises a captivating journey into ancestral migration and the unique stories of entrepreneurship that blossom from it. Rich takes us on an emotional adventure, sharing how his grandfather transitioned from coal mining in Calabria and Puglia to a thriving hat-making business in Philadelphia's Little Italy. You'll discover the fascinating concept of chain migration, which brought many families from Biccari to the same neighborhood, and learn about the valuable historical documents that illuminate these incredible stories.

Prepare to be amazed by the transformative power of DNA testing and genealogical research. Hear stories of mixed heritage revelations from Evangeline  about her Romani and Irish traveler to Italian and Middle Eastern roots. These revelations are pieced together through historical records, military traditions, and personal anecdotes, illuminating the complex tapestry of human migration and identity shifts. You'll be inspired by the Valillo family’s journey from Campobasso in 1905 and the surprising connections unearthed through tools like My True Ancestry.

In our final exploration, we emphasize the importance of tracing your ancestry, particularly for those seeking dual citizenship or documenting family history. John, Evangeline, Rich and Jeff share invaluable insights into leveraging local genealogy clubs, libraries, and family records. From the noble lineage of the Caracciolo family to Clotilda's inspiring story of overcoming adversity, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of our shared histories. Join us for a meaningful conversation that underscores the joy of connecting with our past and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

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

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Have you ever wondered how discovering your family’s hidden past can shape your identity? Join us for an emotional and enlightening conversation with Steve Bruno as he takes us on his extraordinary journey of uncovering his Italian roots. Steve shares the poignant story of his grandfather and great aunt, orphaned at a young age, and the meticulous research that unearthed family members previously unknown. Through his quest, Steve brings to light the early immigration of his great-grandfather, Antonio, to America before 1900, and the cultural influences of their hometown Greci, Italy.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the reverence for a grandfather who made his mark in the medical field, and how genealogy research can forge surprising connections that enrich our lives. With plans to visit Italy, Steve reflects on the stark contrasts between Italian and American cultural values, especially the emphasis on family time, and the unique traits passed down through generations.

Finally, we delve into the serendipitous nature of genealogical research and the unexpected connections it can bring. From the challenges of using tools like Ancestry.com to the joy of finding long-lost family photos, Steve’s journey emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating our ancestors' legacy. This episode is a tribute to the joy of family discoveries and the fascinating stories that emerge, reminding us all of the rich tapestry of our heritage and the ongoing quest to honor it.

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

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Have you ever wondered how your DNA connects you to ancient civilizations and far-off lands? Join us as we chat with Sal Provino from Australia, who shares his incredible journey of tracing his Italian roots. From his father’s courageous migration from Sicily to Australia in the 1950s to escape post-World War II hardships to his mother's origins in Calabria, Sal paints a vivid picture of his family's resilience and the cultural nuances that shape their identity. This episode promises an enriching exploration of family history that started long before the internet made genealogical research easier.

Sal opens up about the surprising twists and turns in his genealogical quest, including captivating personal stories and the rich tapestry of ancestral DNA diversity in Italy. Discover how genetic influences from regions like Greece, the Middle East, and the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires have left their mark on family traits and historical roots. We touch upon the fascinating intermingling of cultures in places like Calabria and Sicily, offering a fresh perspective on ancient migrations and conquests. Through Sal's anecdotes, you’ll get a sense of the shared human family and the diverse connections found through genetic testing.

We also uncover the Norman influence in Sicilian history, where surnames tell amusing and poignant stories about their origins. Hear about Sal's great-great-great-grandfather's successful restaurant in Palermo and the dramatic shift in family fortunes due to a card game. Learn about the deep historical ties between the Kingdom of Sicily and the Plantagenet family, alongside the transformation of mosques into cathedrals in Palermo and Naples. From wartime survival stories to the post-World War II migration struggles of Italian immigrants, this episode captures the essence of preserving cultural heritage and the emotional ties that bind us to our roots.

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

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Have you ever wondered how your last name might reveal fascinating details about your past? In this episode, we dive into the world of Italian surnames, exploring their origins and meanings, divided into four main categories. Discover how patronymics and matronymics, derived from the father's or mother's name, have deep roots in the Middle Ages. We analyze the differences between the "di" and "de" variants, with examples such as the famous singer Pino Daniele, and the role these surnames played in identifying people.

We then move on to toponyms, those surnames that tell the geographical history of people. Imagine migrants of the past, identified by the name of their place of origin, such as "di Napoli" or "Sorrentino." We make an interesting comparison with common surnames in America such as Calabrese and Cosentino, highlighting the importance of geographical names in everyday life in the past. We also delve into the use of geographical names derived from local features, such as Fiume, and how these helped people identify themselves in an era without street names or house numbers.

Hai mai pensato a come il tuo cognome potrebbe rivelare dettagli affascinanti sul tuo passato? In questa puntata, ci immergiamo nel mondo dei cognomi italiani, esplorando le loro origini e significati, suddivisi in quattro categorie principali. Scopri come i patronimici e matronimici, derivati dal nome del padre o della madre, abbiano radici profonde nel Medioevo. Analizziamo le differenze tra le varianti "di" e "de", con esempi come il celebre cantante Pino Daniele, e il ruolo che questi cognomi giocavano nell'identificazione delle persone.

Passiamo poi ai toponimi, quei cognomi che raccontano la storia geografica delle persone. Immagina i migranti di un tempo, identificati attraverso il nome del loro luogo di origine, come "di Napoli" o "Sorrentino". Facciamo un interessante confronto con i cognomi comuni in America come Calabrese e Cosentino, mettendo in luce l'importanza dei nomi geografici nella vita quotidiana del passato. Approfondiamo anche l’uso di nomi geografici derivati da caratteristiche locali, come Fiume, e come questi elementi aiutassero le persone a identificarsi in un'epoca senza nomi di strade o numeri civici.

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In part 1 Raffaele Fontanella explains the origins of surnames from the renaissance, how dialects impacted first names and surnames based on his book "Cognomi di Stabia". How the Romans used first names, surnames and nicknames. How the Germans named people and how that impacted Italian names. And an introduction to part 2 where he will explain the 4 naming conventions in Italy.

Could you imagine a country with more surnames than most nations have people? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Italy's astonishing 300,000 surnames with our special guests, Raffaele Fontanella, an expert in Italian linguistics, and his translator Rich DiPalma. Raffaele walks us through the captivating world of Italian surnames, revealing how Italy's rich linguistic diversity and unique use of prefixes and suffixes have created a multitude of last names. Rich also shares his personal experience with Raffaele, highlighting the profound connections between language and heritage in Italy, and how uncovering these links can be a deeply personal and enlightening journey.

Explore the medieval naming practices that shaped Italian society, especially within noble families. Discover the intriguing story of Bob's great-grandmother, Caracciolo, whose multiple names were more than just a tradition—they were a necessity to preserve noble lineages and distinguish individuals in an ever-growing population. From patronymics and place names to professions and nicknames, we'll trace the origins of these second names and their evolution into the essential identifiers they are today. Tune in for an enlightening episode that peels back the layers of Italy's historical and cultural tapestry through the lens of its surnames.

Riusciresti a immaginare un paese con più cognomi di quanti siano gli abitanti della maggior parte delle nazioni? Unisciti a noi mentre scopriamo i segreti dietro gli incredibili 300.000 cognomi italiani con i nostri ospiti speciali, Raffaele Fontanella, esperto di linguistica italiana, e il suo traduttore Rich De Palma. Raffaele ci accompagna attraverso l'affascinante mondo dei cognomi italiani, rivelando come la ricca diversità linguistica dell'Italia e l'uso unico di prefissi e suffissi abbiano creato una moltitudine di cognomi. Rich condivide anche la sua esperienza personale con Raffaele, evidenziando i profondi legami tra lingua e patrimonio in Italia e come scoprire questi legami possa essere un viaggio profondamente personale e illuminante. 

Esplora le pratiche di denominazione medievali che hanno plasmato la società italiana, specialmente all'interno delle famiglie nobili. Scopri l'intrigante storia della bisnonna di Bob, Caracciolo, i cui molteplici nomi erano più di una semplice tradizione: erano una necessità per preservare i lignaggi nobili e distinguere gli individui in una popolazione in continua crescita. Dai patronimici e nomi di luogo alle professioni e ai soprannomi, ripercorreremo le origini di questi secondi nomi e la loro evoluzione negli identificatori essenziali che sono oggi. Sin

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Nicola DiGuglielmo's journey from Andretta, Italy to New Jersey is nothing short of remarkable. Picture a family driven by love and determination, uprooted from their small Italian hometown in search of a brighter future in America. Nicola reflects on his father's struggle to create opportunities in a land where none existed, and how this relentless spirit paved the way for Nicola's successful medical career spanning nearly four decades. In this episode, we uncover the layers of his personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of Italian heritage and the meaningful contributions of Italian Americans. 

From the humble beginnings in Andretta to the comfort of Long Branch, Nicola paints a vivid picture of his family's transition from communal living to the modern American lifestyle. We explore the trials and triumphs of this significant shift, touching on memories of his hometown's transformation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its younger generation. A poignant visit to the family cemetery and the stories from a 97-year-old cousin, acting as the family historian, add depth and richness to Nicola's narrative, offering listeners a heartfelt connection to his roots.

We also traverse Nicola's fascinating family history, uncovering stories of theological vocations and political ambitions. Discover how these diverse legacies influenced Nicola's path in medicine and his daughter's venture into politics. As we discuss the role of the church and the enduring traditions of his ancestors, Nicola's reflections offer a sense of belonging and continuity. To round off, we guide you through the cultural marvels of Florence, personal ties to historical families, and the allure of Milan's vibrant scene. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and memories, blending cultural heritage with practical travel tips for anyone enchanted by Italy's rich history.

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

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Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.