“Genealogy Roadshow” season 2, episode 2 airs on January 20, 2015 at 8:00 PM ET on PBS. Check your local listings. St. Louis – Central Library At Saint Louis’ historic central library, a team of genealogists uncovers fascinating family stories from Missouri’s famous gateway city. A mystery writer discovers her mother has hidden a life-changing secret; a woman finds out if she is descended from the infamous pirate Blackbeard; a mother and daughter seek connections to a famous author; and…
It is such a great honor and privilege to be invited to speak to special groups and organizations about Italian genealogy, family history, and other genealogy topics. I love encouraging Italian-Americans and all those of Italian descent around the world to discover their heritage. I get excited about our shared Italian roots and the wondrous journeys of emersion that searching for those roots engenders. That is why genealogical education — especially Italian genealogical education — is so important to me. So…
Panettone is a delectable sweet Italian bread usually shaped in a circular loaf that originated Milan. This tasty treat is typically enjoyed at Christmastime and gained national popularity in Italy after World War II when it was manufactured in large quantities and sold at an affordable price. Many Italian immigrants who left Italy brought their love of panettone with them abroad. As a result, panettone is now being enjoyed in many countries around the world. In early January 2013, I…
(Click here to read “Retracing Noni’s Footsteps – Part 1”) (Click here to read “Retracing Noni’s Footsteps – Part 2”) Italian family history research is about remembering and researching the stories of generations who came before us. It has been honor to tell you my grandmother Noni’s story over the past several weeks. This is story of my Italian family. Noni has influenced me in many ways, especially in my desire to pursue Italian genealogy as a profession. I am…
As a full-time Italian Genealogist, I’ve had the privilege of spending extended periods in Italy researching the family histories of my clients and my own family. It’s a great job. I love being over there. I am particularly intrigued by the many rich and colorful traditions of Italy that I experience while living in the midst of the culture. In order to gain insight, I regularly encourage my Italian relatives and friends to relate to me their understanding and experience…
(Click here to read “Retracing Noni’s Footsteps – Part 1”) Sometimes one’s family history comes into unexpected convergence with world shaping events. My grandmother Loredana Tedesco (nee’ Stenech) was a young girl living in Rome when World War II broke out. She remained in the city throughout the war. It was a difficult period for the Italian people and for my grandmother. Many lives were lost. Families were disrupted and destroyed. Prior to Rome being declared an “Open City,” buildings…