Do You Have Toritto Ancestors?@ItalianRootsandGenealogy #puglia #bari

By Italian Roots and Genealogy | Jan 13, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino hosts Ted Luccarelli and Cindy Lombardo, who share their experiences and insights into their Italian heritage, family history, and the journey of discovering their roots. They discuss the challenges of researching family ancestry, the significance of name changes among immigrants, and their personal stories of connecting with their ancestral town of Torito, Italy. The conversation also touches on their travels to Italy, cultural differences, and the importance of family connections in understanding their heritage. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into their family heritage, exploring the intricacies of ancestry and the unexpected connections that arise from genealogical research. They share personal stories of tracing their roots back to noble families, the challenges faced in uncovering family histories, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Culinary traditions and memories of family gatherings are also highlighted, alongside experiences of returning to Italy and the warm reception from locals. The discussion emphasizes the value of asking questions and recording family histories to ensure that the wealth of knowledge is not lost.


Takeaways


Ted and Cindy are exploring their grandfather's history and name changes.

Family members often Americanized their names to fit in.

Researching ancestry can be complex but rewarding.

Traveling to Italy helps connect with family roots.

Church records in Italy can provide valuable information.

Cultural differences in naming traditions are significant.

Family gatherings often reveal rich stories of the past.

The importance of community in preserving heritage is evident.

Ancestry research often uncovers unexpected family connections.

Traveling to ancestral towns can be a transformative experience. Family heritage can reveal unexpected connections.

Genealogical research often leads to surprising discoveries.

Persistence is key in uncovering family histories.

Culinary traditions are deeply tied to family memories.

Returning to one's roots can be a rewarding experience.

Preserving family history is crucial for future generations.

Asking questions can unlock a wealth of information.

Many families have untold stories waiting to be discovered.

Ancestry can connect us to historical figures.

The importance of documenting family stories cannot be overstated.


Sound Bites

"He wanted to Americanize."

"I can't wait to go to Torito."

"I didn't feel unsafe anywhere."

"I found a bunch of stuff on Ancestry."

"I want to get to Genghis Khan."

"I wish they could get into the churches."

"Torito is known for almonds."

"They love to see us."

"There's nobody for us to ask."


Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Italian Roots and Genealogy

00:59

Exploring Family History and Name Changes

04:09

Immigration Stories and Family Connections

08:11

Connecting with Italian Heritage in Torito

10:49

Experiences in Italy: Churches and Family Homes

15:00

Cultural Differences and Family Naming Traditions

19:58

Researching Family Ancestry and Discoveries

26:21

Exploring Family Heritage and Ancestry

30:03

Unexpected Family Connections

32:19

Tracing Roots Back to Nobility

34:50

Challenges in Genealogical Research

36:43

Culinary Traditions and Family Memories

39:03

Experiences of Returning to Italy

44:06

Preserving Family History for Future Generations