Culture

People have always danced. Dancing is a way to get loose, have fun, and express oneself. But for some, dancing is more than that; it’s a passion and a mission. Italy’s most famous and talented ballet dancer is Roberto Bolle, …

If you still live where your immigrant ancestors settled, your local public library should have hard copies of the US Census covering the region.  However, if your ancestors lived elsewhere, you must search on-line censuses (or travel to the other …

What is the secret of longevity? Sometimes it may be a life full of passion, adventure, and dedication to family and work, as it was Licia Albanese’s. On August 15, 2014, the Italian-born operatic soprano Felicia Albanese peacefully passed away …

When I last saw Garibaldi, he was a broken old man. White streaked his beard. Cataracts clouded and rheum encrusted his eyes. Arthritis crippled his limbs. Propped on crutches in the lobby of the Hotel Costanzi, he was a rust-eaten …

Love is the theme at this summer’s Festival Puccini, dedicated to the magnificent Tuscan composer. Torre del Lago celebrates the 60th anniversary of this festival, where love emanates through Puccini’s music.  This is the only festival in the world dedicated …

As far back as we know, to the days of the ancient empire, it seems that the Romans have been very good at enjoying their free time. Nothing has changed. It’s called the “Estate Romana”, literally “The Roman Summer”, an …

Dear Readers, Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (1678-1741) violinist extraordinaire and one of the most prolific well-known Italian composers who composed over 500 concertos, 12 operas, numerous oratorios, lyrics and cantatas and I, have something in common, i.e., both our “nonnos” were …

Dear Readers, Bits from my bookcase. Here are a few Italian connections I recently found amidst my light-hearted summer reading: They All Laughed… (Ira Flatow) is a book about inventions that changed our lives and the stories behind them. We …

While perusing individual census listings, note the township, county and state where the census was taken.  You can contact churches, courthouses or public offices in those localities for other records: naturalization, birth, death or marriage records, etc.   Questions varied …

Rome would not have been the same “Eternal City” or “Caput Mundi” without its first emperor. August 19 marks the 2,000th anniversary of the death of Emperor Augustus. Many exciting exhibitions will be available to the public for the very …