A Want for Italian Immigration History Education

New Jersey is home to one of the largest collection of Americans of Italian descent in the entire country. Yet, if you ask any child if they learn about this important part of history, they would know very little. Luckily, there's a solution to the problem. A few years ago, the Italian-American Heritage Commission developed…

Italian Heritage Month 2022

I always heard a saying growing up. "There are two types of people. Italians and people that wish they were Italian." I agree completely. We grow up around three main concepts. Faith, family, and food. Sundays were extra special. We would start the day at church. Then head to the cemetery to plant flowers and…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: You!

For my last post for Italian Heritage Month, I felt I needed to highlight a very important person that is part of Italian heritage in New Jersey: you! And when I say you, I mean the collective you; the Italian-American community in New Jersey. All month I've shared stories of amazing New Jerseyans of our…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Patrick O’Boyle

Now, I know what you are thinking. This is Italian Heritage Month. Why am I highlighting a guy with an Irish name? Stick with me and you will quickly see why. So far this month, I have highlighted important figures who have been important parts of the foundation of Italian heritage and culture in New…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: St. Lucy’s Church

If someone asked me what is the most important location associated with Italian heritage in New Jersey, I would say without hesitation St. Lucy's Church. Since its cornerstone was placed in 1891, St. Lucy's Church in Newark has been a source of pride and devotion for the millions of Italian immigrants and the generations that…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Frankie Valli

"Newark, Belleville; Frankie Valli walks on water. As he should. Frankie Valli has been around so long he's attached to everything and everybody. And they are very proud." ~Steve Schirripa, Talking Sopranos podcast. Belleville has been home to plenty of talent over the decades. Connie Francis, Joe Pesci, and of course Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, known…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Joseph Rotunda

Many of us have passed by Rotunda Pool in Newark on our way to St. Lucy's Church or coming out of Branch Brook Park and have not given it a second thought. It is, however, an important location in the community and New Jersey Italian heritage. The Rotunda Pool plaqueSource: Newark Historical Society Rotunda Pool…

October is Italian Heritage Month

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a proud New Jerseyan. I am also very proud of my Italian heritage. October in Italian Heritage Month and as I do each year, I plan on writing about New Jerseyans of Italian heritage that have made a significant impact on our…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Rose Fieramosca

You've probably never heard of today's New Jerseyan of Italian heritage. She wasn't famous, or rich, or any of the other things most would people consider noteworthy. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an aunt, a great cook, and a devout Catholic. She was my Grandmother - Rosina Fucetola Fieramosca. Like many of…

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Dr. Steve Adubato

A modern-day New Jersey native of Italian descent I feel is deserving of recognition is Steve Adubato, Ph.D.