Picture yourself traversing the bustling streets of Astoria, Queens, where the air is thick with Italian dialects and the spirit of a robust, tight-knit Abruzzese community permeates every corner. Our guest today, Maria Fosco, raised amidst the lively Italian neighborhood, retraces the vibrant roots of her ancestry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the migration patterns of Italians and their profound imprint on Astoria.
Join us as we follow Maria’s engaging narrative, journeying all the way back to her great-grandmother’s house in Italy, purchased in the 1890s, and the subsequent chapters of her family’s history. Experience the profound saga of her family’s transition from Italian-speaking immigrants to English-speaking American citizens. Maria unveils an intriguing tale of reconnecting with long-lost cousins through ancestry and DNA, and offers insights into her visits to her family’s ancestral house in Italy.
Maria emphasizes the profound significance of knowing one’s roots and sharing those stories with the world. She has documented her family history in compelling chapters, and shares tales from her daily storytelling sessions with her late mother. From performing in a folkloric group in traditional costumes to tracing the path of the seasonal journey of sheep. Maria’s experiences have been rich and diverse. So, tag along for a ride through time and heritage as Maria paints a vivid picture of the Italian-American history and the importance of preserving our past.
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Video
Maria is a member of the board that is creating the new Italian-American Museum in NYC, to open in the spring of 2024. Here is our interview with Dr. Scelsa.

Exploring Toarmina
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Mimma Scinardo from Taormina, Sicily, exploring the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of the region. Mimma shares insights on the best times to visit, the unique attractions of Taormina, and the significance of Sicilian identity. She also discusses her journey in running a bed and breakfast and her passion for helping visitors connect with their roots in Sicily. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook

Buona Pasqua From Italian Genealogy
Buona Pasqua from Italian Genealogy. Hard to believe that we are in our seventh year. This year has been great. Pick up a copy of “Farmers and Nobles” Available here or on Amazon. Thank you and have a Happy Easter! Click here to Join Italian Genealogy on Facebook

From Stromboli to America: A Journey of Heritage
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Charlie and Steve Bongiorno about their Italian roots and family history. They share stories of their ancestors’ immigration to the United States, cultural traditions, language, and personal experiences in Stromboli. The discussion highlights the transformation of Stromboli from a primitive island to a celebrity destination, reflecting on the changes over generations. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences of living in Italy, exploring their cultural roots, and

Jazz and Italian Heritage
In this engaging conversation, jazz singer Vanessa Racci shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and how it intertwines with her passion for jazz music. From her family’s roots in Puglia to her experiences growing up in New York, Vanessa reflects on the rich history of Italian Americans in jazz and the importance of preserving this cultural legacy. She discusses her musical projects that aim to revive Italian classics through jazz arrangements and highlights

Generational Perspectives on Being Italian-American
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino engages with Dr. Gilda Rorro and Dr. Mary Rorro, a mother-daughter duo, to explore their Italian heritage and the significance of family roots. They share personal stories of immigration, the importance of reconnecting with their Italian roots, and the generational differences in experiencing Italian identity. The discussion also highlights the role of food in Italian culture, the challenges of preserving heritage for future generations, and the contributions of Italians to

Italian Wine Classes – FAST
Join us on a journey to explore the allure of sparkling wine as we embark on a taste test experience like no other! From the elegance of Champagne to the charm of Prosecco, we’ll delve into the world of sparkling varieties and uncover the perfect food and wine pairing to elevate your next celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just looking to cheers to bubbly, this video is for you. Get ready to discover