The Journey of Italian-American Families in Hershey
11/15/24 • 55 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lou Paioletti as we uncover the rich legacy of Italian-American heritage in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Lou takes us on a heartfelt journey, sharing his family's migration story from Tuscany to Hershey, a town renowned for its chocolate but also a beacon of hope for countless Italian immigrants drawn by industrial opportunities. We explore how these families, including Lou's ancestors, contributed significantly to Hershey's industrial evolution, particularly in the stone quarries and the broader employment landscape of the 1920s and 1930s.
Lou's personal stories offer a vivid portrayal of maintaining ties across continents. Through shared memories of a father who served in World War II and the cherished weekly calls with relatives in Italy, we delve into the emotional resonance of family bonds that defy distance and time. These narratives are a testament to the enduring connection between Italian-American communities and their cultural roots, highlighted by Lou's own experiences of gaining citizenship and the magical encounters during visits to Italy.
The episode also casts a spotlight on the labor movements of the 1930s, revealing the complex legacy of Milton Hershey. While his projects kept many employed during tough times, they also sparked unrest and a failed strike in 1937, with Italian-Americans at the heart of these events. Through engaging stories and critical reflections, we celebrate the resilience of this vibrant community and debunk stereotypes, acknowledging their vast contributions beyond the confines of popular culture's limited narratives. Join us as we honor the true legacy of Italian-Americans in shaping not only Hershey but also the broader American landscape.
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Italians of PennsylvaniaHistory of Italian-Americans in Pennsylvania
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.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lou Paioletti as we uncover the rich legacy of Italian-American heritage in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Lou takes us on a heartfelt journey, sharing his family's migration story from Tuscany to Hershey, a town renowned for its chocolate but also a beacon of hope for countless Italian immigrants drawn by industrial opportunities. We explore how these families, including Lou's ancestors, contributed significantly to Hershey's industrial evolution, particularly in the stone quarries and the broader employment landscape of the 1920s and 1930s.
Lou's personal stories offer a vivid portrayal of maintaining ties across continents. Through shared memories of a father who served in World War II and the cherished weekly calls with relatives in Italy, we delve into the emotional resonance of family bonds that defy distance and time. These narratives are a testament to the enduring connection between Italian-American communities and their cultural roots, highlighted by Lou's own experiences of gaining citizenship and the magical encounters during visits to Italy.
The episode also casts a spotlight on the labor movements of the 1930s, revealing the complex legacy of Milton Hershey. While his projects kept many employed during tough times, they also sparked unrest and a failed strike in 1937, with Italian-Americans at the heart of these events. Through engaging stories and critical reflections, we celebrate the resilience of this vibrant community and debunk stereotypes, acknowledging their vast contributions beyond the confines of popular culture's limited narratives. Join us as we honor the true legacy of Italian-Americans in shaping not only Hershey but also the broader American landscape.
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Italians of PennsylvaniaHistory of Italian-Americans in Pennsylvania
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
Uncovering Family History: The Power of Photographs with Maureen Taylor
Imagine uncovering your family’s history through a single photograph. That's the journey we embark on with Maureen Taylor, the renowned "photo detective," as we explore the powerful intersection of history and photography. From the meticulous art of traditional photography to the instant gratification of digital captures, we uncover how these images serve as portals to the past. Through personal anecdotes and insights, I reflect on how my father's career as a New York Daily News photographer ingrained in me a deep appreciation for the stories that photographs tell. These snapshots are not just pictures; they're stories waiting to be discovered.
Ever wondered why people in old photos rarely smile? Society’s norms of seriousness and respectability once dictated expressions, and we explore these fascinating conventions alongside the evolution of photographic technology. From the reversed images of early daguerreotypes to the chemical magic of Polaroid pictures, each photograph holds a piece of history. Join us as we share personal family stories and address the modern film photography trend, where digital often trumps print, leaving tangible memories at risk of being forgotten.
Fashion is cyclical, and so is photography, with vintage styles and processes constantly resurfacing. Whether it's the allure of early salted paper prints or the rewarding challenge of reuniting lost photographs with their owners, these images offer a unique connection to the past. We celebrate individuals like Kate Kelly, whose dedication to preserving these memories echoes our own mission. For those keen on preserving family history, explore my books, "Preserving Your Family Photographs" and "Family Photo Detective," and tune into Maureen's podcast, "The Photo Detective," for more stories and expert advice on safeguarding your family’s photographic legacy.
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Preserving Your Family PhotographsExplore techniques to share your images.
Family Photo Detective
The Photo Detective shows you how to study the clues in your photos and recapture their stories.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Next Episode
Exploring Sicilian Heritage: Echoes of Culture, Identity, and Cuisine
Apologies for the first few minutes of echo, it clears up.
Reflecting on the resilience of our ancestors, this episode journeys through the vibrant narratives of Sicilian heritage and its cultural echoes in the Italian-American communities across the United States. Join us as we hear from Francesca and Manuel, whose roots connect them to Gela, Sicily, with Manuel sharing his role in preserving Italian culture as the president of the historic Italian Athletic Club in San Francisco. We also explore Jerry's passionate involvement with the St. Joseph's Society in Boston, where cultural preservation through community events is a cornerstone of his mission. From Francesco's work in Collesano assisting Americans with discovering their Italian roots to recent legal changes in citizenship, the episode unravels the rich tapestry of shared histories and contemporary connections.
Manny recounts his father's poignant immigration journey post-World War II, a tale of resilience that complements Francesca's upbringing in Oakland, California, and her reflection on Sicilian identity. Through personal stories, we explore the biases between northern and southern Italy, giving voice to those challenging stereotypes perpetuated by media. Our conversation with Carlo Treviso dives into his novel "Siciliana," inspired by his Sicilian roots and the historical events like the 1282 Sicilian Vespers Uprising, showing how storytelling reshapes the perception of Sicily’s cultural identity.
Ending on a vibrant note, we indulge in the sensory delights of Sicilian cuisine, sharing favorite dishes that evoke memories and cultural pride. From arancini to the infamous spleen sandwich, the flavors of Sicily are a testament to the island's rich heritage. We delve into the beauty of Sicilian landscapes and the cultural exchanges that occur when contemporary Sicilian life intersects with the Italian-American experience. Art, community, and family stories become powerful tools for preserving history as we invite listeners to embrace their roots and celebrate the diverse narratives that define Sicilian and Italian-American culture.
Carlo Treviso
Francesco Curione - 007 Italian Records
SFIAC
Michael Cavalieri - Never Forget Your Roots
Artist Jean Benfante
Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.
Siciliana A NovelInspired by actual events, Siciliana is the harrowing tale of a young woman’s courage.
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.
Italian Roots and Genealogy - The Journey of Italian-American Families in Hershey
Transcript
Hi everyone , this is Bob Sorrentino from Italian Roots and Genealogy . Be sure to check out our blog and our YouTube channel and our newsletter and our great sponsors , italy , ro phil italy and abiotiva casa . And my guest today is lou paoletti , and lou's got a great family , italian american family , and also some great information about hershey , pennsylvania , which I never knew
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