
Discovering Cultural Roots in East Harlem, Bari and Ponce
04/12/24 • 59 min
As distant cousins intertwined by Puerto Rican roots, Valerie Evans joins us to unravel the vibrant story of her dual Italian and Puerto Rican lineage. Our conversation traverses the multicultural neighborhoods of East Harlem, brushes through the historical cobblestones of Sannicandro di Bari and Salerno, and touches on the personal transformations ignited by a family accident and the consequential search for identity. Valerie’s account of her mother's life and her quest to reveal her mysterious Southern Italian father’s past sheds light on the intimate struggles many face in piecing together their family mosaic.
The allure of ancestry pulls us deeper as Valerie shares her foray into DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Together, we navigate the complex web of DNA matches and the painstaking detective work of groups like DNA Detectives. Valerie's narrative is a testament to the persistence of those seeking to connect with their heritage, as she recounts the emotional journey that comes with sifting through the shadows of history to find oneself. Our guest's tenacity and the surprising connections she uncovers emphasize the shared human desire to know where we come from and the bonds that form through these discoveries.
Rounding out our exploration, we reflect on the ways in which digital platforms and travel serve as conduits to cultural preservation and self-discovery. Valerie discusses the role of her website and BariAncestors.com in safeguarding Italian-American stories and the power of stepping onto ancestral soil. We also venture into the heart of Puerto Rico, examining its nuanced relationship with the U.S. and the island's transformation from a land of emigration to a tourist haven. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we celebrate the resilience and diversity of our family legacies while encouraging others to embrace the journey into their own past.
https://www.valeriemevans.com
https://www.instagram.com/italianataglance
https://about.me/literanista
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Italian Marketplace LLCOnline tee shirts, hoodies and more for Italians
Farmers and Nobles
Read about my research story and how to begin your family research.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
As distant cousins intertwined by Puerto Rican roots, Valerie Evans joins us to unravel the vibrant story of her dual Italian and Puerto Rican lineage. Our conversation traverses the multicultural neighborhoods of East Harlem, brushes through the historical cobblestones of Sannicandro di Bari and Salerno, and touches on the personal transformations ignited by a family accident and the consequential search for identity. Valerie’s account of her mother's life and her quest to reveal her mysterious Southern Italian father’s past sheds light on the intimate struggles many face in piecing together their family mosaic.
The allure of ancestry pulls us deeper as Valerie shares her foray into DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Together, we navigate the complex web of DNA matches and the painstaking detective work of groups like DNA Detectives. Valerie's narrative is a testament to the persistence of those seeking to connect with their heritage, as she recounts the emotional journey that comes with sifting through the shadows of history to find oneself. Our guest's tenacity and the surprising connections she uncovers emphasize the shared human desire to know where we come from and the bonds that form through these discoveries.
Rounding out our exploration, we reflect on the ways in which digital platforms and travel serve as conduits to cultural preservation and self-discovery. Valerie discusses the role of her website and BariAncestors.com in safeguarding Italian-American stories and the power of stepping onto ancestral soil. We also venture into the heart of Puerto Rico, examining its nuanced relationship with the U.S. and the island's transformation from a land of emigration to a tourist haven. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we celebrate the resilience and diversity of our family legacies while encouraging others to embrace the journey into their own past.
https://www.valeriemevans.com
https://www.instagram.com/italianataglance
https://about.me/literanista
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Italian Marketplace LLCOnline tee shirts, hoodies and more for Italians
Farmers and Nobles
Read about my research story and how to begin your family research.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Previous Episode

Echoes of Our Ancestry: A Journey Through Italian Heritage
Stepping through the cobblestone streets of my ancestral town, I was embraced by whispers of my past, the tales and traditions of my Italian heritage echoing around me. Now, I invite you to join Jerry Taverna and me through a riveting journey of discovery, from sulfur mines in Sicily and old family stories from Monopoli become living chapters of our rich collective history. Jerry unveils the profound impact his ancestry has had on his life, which led to his involvement in Mike Cavalieri's film premiere, an homage to the struggles and triumphs of the Italian spirit.
With laughter and a few unexpected confessions, we recount the joys and follies of childhood, the remarkable work ethic inherited from our immigrant families, and the deeply resonant experience of setting foot in the very places that cradled our forebears. Our conversation weaves through the fabric of Italian life, from the nurturing embrace of family meals to the importance of preserving our cultural roots against the relentless march of time. We also explore the significance of our naming customs, a reflection of identity and lineage, as we navigate the sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant implications they carry.
Our exchange culminates in a heartfelt reflection on the Italian-American experience, touching on the poignant legacy of Italian POWs in Boston and the enduring bonds of community within cultural organizations. We also celebrate the courage of friends from the St. Joseph's Society, embarking on a new chapter as restaurant owners in Sicily, demonstrating the magnetic pull of our origins. This episode is an ode to the threads that weave the tapestry of our family histories, an invitation to explore the profound connections that shape who we are. Join us for an auditory feast that promises to nourish your soul and perhaps inspire you to seek out the stories within your own lineage.
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE
Farmers and Nobles
Read about my research story and how to begin your family research.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Next Episode

The Timeless Allure of Penne Nestled in the Abruzzo Region
Uncover the secrets of Penne as Antonio Baldacchini from the Council of Community Planning joins us for an enchanting exploration of Abruzzo's mesmerizing landscapes and historical tapestry. Step back in time to discover a town where the past lingers in the cobblestoned streets and the future blossoms from the community's vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability. We chat about Penne's rich history, from its pre-Roman roots to the artistic revolutions of the Renaissance, and dig into the unique cultural events that make this town more than just a dot on the map. With Antonio's insight, we savor the authentic flavors of Abruzzese cuisine, where dishes like arrosticini and porchetta not only tantalize the taste buds but also tell the story of a land devoted to culinary tradition.
Settle in as we paint a picture of Abruzzo that's as vivid as the region's lush mountain vistas and as soothing as the Adriatic Sea's gentle waves. In this serene sanctuary, we discuss how the environment nurtures the soul, offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation and innovation, where the air is pure and life's rhythm is set to nature's pulse. The Abruzzese people's warmth truly shines through, as they extend open arms to visitors seeking connection with their heritage or simply a tranquil retreat. Be inspired by the tales of those who have experienced the open-hearted welcome of this Italian gem, and let us entice you to be the next to embrace the splendor and spirit of Abruzzo.
Italian Roots and Genealogy - Discovering Cultural Roots in East Harlem, Bari and Ponce
Transcript
Hey everyone , this is Bob Sorrentino , from Italian Roots and Genealogy . Be sure to check us out on Facebook , our blog and our newsletter and YouTube channel our Facebook , our blog and our newsletter and YouTube channel , and our great sponsors ,
Speaker 1your Dolce Vita , italy Rooting and Abiativo Casa . And today I have a great guest who h
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/italian-roots-and-genealogy-364392/discovering-cultural-roots-in-east-harlem-bari-and-ponce-52343129"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to discovering cultural roots in east harlem, bari and ponce on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy