A Letter To My Children: An Italian-American Family’s Heritage
Una lettera ai miei figli: patrimonio di una famiglia Italo Americana
This inspiring story combines personal reflection, family history, and research of Italy’s culture to understand what makes us unique as third and fourth generation Italian Americans. Using one family’s experience, it brings together the northern Italian and Sicilian cultures, explores their similarities and differences, their social and economic influences and family structure, to preserve an Italian heritage common to many.
Ancestors breathe life into the pages. Presented in the context of their community, the reader is left with robust images of them as they worked to meet life’s challenges, such as Maria Rosa Ranieri trying to sustain the family business post World War I. Family letters and documents round out their stories like the Manifesto of Ruffillo Alberghini who challenges the parish priest to a public debate. Excerpts from interviews, most notably those of Gus, a 102-year-old Northerner, and Giuseppe, a 91-year-old Sicilian, colorfully describe the daily existence of the homeland they left behind and their early days in America.
The Preface, a must read, offers advice for researching a family’s story and the importance of telling our collective stories. Photos and family charts enhance the written word. And, the book’s design of an autobiographical Letter offers a unique perspective for sharing the family’s rich legacy.
Written in English and Italian, this book will inspire you to write your own family history!
Nonna, What is St. Peter’s Fiesta?
Nonna, che cos’è la Festa di San Pietro?
All proceeds to benefit St. Peter’s Fiesta, Inc.
In this commemorative book to celebrate the 90th anniversary of St. Peter’s Fiesta in Gloucester, MA, a young boy named Joey and two of his cousins, Amelia and Jacob, participate in the Fiesta with their Nonna (Nonna is the Italian word for grandmother). Joey wonders why the Fiesta is so important to his family and the people of Gloucester. Throughout the celebration the children meet different people who explain the various traditions and meanings behind them.
Joey, Amelia, and Jacob represent a blend of ethnic backgrounds that are found in many of today’s families giving the beginning reader an opportunity to relate to the story. The adults the children meet during the Fiesta provide a multi-generational connection. The value of this story crosses generations and sends the message that we all have much to learn from our elders about heritage, culture and traditions.