Get ready for a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of Deanna Oliveieri’s family history. We trace her parents’ migration from Italy’s picturesque landscapes to the streets of Staten Island, New York. Join us as Deanna unveils the intriguing tale of her father’s arranged marriage, the struggles they faced as new immigrants, and the humorous yet heartwarming anecdotes passed down through generations.
As we unravel Deanna’s rich Southern Italian heritage, we plunge into the surprising revelations from her family DNA tests. There’s Greek, Albanian, and Croatian lineage intertwined in her roots, and the chase to fill in the blanks of her family tree involves delightful encounters with distant relatives. We also navigate the intricate webs of language barriers that immigrant families often face, adding yet another layer to this multicolored tale of lineage and legacy.
Finally, we pick Deanna’s brains for nuggets of wisdom for anyone considering a move to Italy. Research, cultural understanding, and the art of renting before diving in for a permanent move – we discuss it all. So, buckle up as we traverse through this riveting reminiscence of Deanna’s Italian roots and the astonishing journey of self-discovery.
Podcast
Video
Unlocking the Secrets of my Genoese Ancestors
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Tess Martin, who shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and family history. Tess discusses her background, her family’s migration from Italy to America, and the unique visa that allowed her to live in the Netherlands. She delves into her genealogical research, uncovering family secrets and connections that reveal the complexities of her ancestry. The conversation highlights the importance of historical context in understanding family migration and the
The Return Home 2025 – Ferrara
Click here to join out Facebook group Ferrara is not your typical tourist destination in Italy, but it was on my bucket list as it is the birthplace of my 13th great-grandmother, Isabella d’Este. I was a bit disappointed only because there was very little mention of the d’Este women. But I guess a trip back to the Renaissance days. When booking with Phil~italy mention Italian Roots and Genealogy he d’Este family was one of
Sicilian and Southern Italy Roots
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Dominic Arresta, a young Italian American who has recently embarked on a journey to uncover his family history. Dominic shares his experiences of discovering his roots, the challenges he faced, and the importance of preserving family stories and cultural heritage. He discusses the role of technology in genealogy, the significance of connecting with relatives in Italy, and the impact of his findings on his identity. The conversation highlights the
The Journey Home 2025 – Modena
Click here to join out Facebook group My daughter loves cars, especially expensive ones. So when I mentioned Modena, she asked, “What’s there?” “Ferrari.” “I’m in!” Truly a great museum, and a really good cafe, better than the one we stopped at on the way there, although a bit more expensive. At least 20 cars are on display, with a short video, gift shop $$$$ and a simulator for 25 Euros. You can also tour
The Journey Home 2025 — Bologna
Click here to join out Facebook group 16th Century spy camera. We had an excellent guide in Bologna provided by Phil~italy. One the most fascinating parts of the tour was the tour of the Jewish ghetto. The Bologna Ghetto was established in 1556 when the Jewish community in Bologna was confined to a small, enclosed area near Via dell’Inferno. It was created by papal decree under Pope Paul IV, a decision that reflected the broader
The Journey Home 2025 – Milan
Click here to join out Facebook group Our 2025 trip to Italy began in Milan with a bespoke itinerary created for us by Phil~italy. Phil Micali has a team of experts in Italy ( Teresa, Liliana, and Pam ) who created the itinerary and recommended lodging, food, and excursions. Just before the trip, Phil met with us and reviewed everything, so there were no surprises. Phil~italy also puts everything on a phone app for you,
