…………………..I love watching the show “FINDING YOUR ROOTS”. I find it fascinating how your family history can be discovered layer by layer. Unfortunately, I only know of my grandparents, and that’s where it stops. However, I know very little about them. I was told my father’s father was a fisherman in Italy. I know nothing about my mother’s parents. They didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak any Italian, so our communication was a kiss, a hug, an hello and a goodbye…..My brother Mauro has this old document listing the Rutigliano family as it existed in 1910……..My Grandfather, Giovanni was born on Nov. 13th, 1867, my Grandmother Chiara was born Jan. 3rd 1880. My Aunt Maria was born Nov. 16th 1899. My Uncle Paul was born Feb. 12th 1903, my Uncle Vito was born Sept 13th 1905, My Uncle Tommaso was born Jan 5th, 1908, and my mother, Lorita was born Sept 9th 1910. They were all born in Italy. There were still three more children to come Luigi, Angie, and Daniel all born in the USA.. My Grand father Rutigliano and my Grandfather Dell’Olio were friends and came from the same village in Italy, Bari. The two men came over on the boat together and started a new life in America. When they had enough money they sent for the families to come over too. I know my mother’s family settled first on Thompson Street in the Village of NYC. My mother recalls swimming in the fountain in the park. I have often wondered who my grandparents families were and theirs and theirs again, but my family tree only goes as far back as my grand parents on both sides. I never heard stories about who their parents were and their grandparents. Both of my grandfathers came to America when they were relatively young men. If my grandfather was born in 1867 and my mother in 1910 than he would have been in his early 40s when he made the trip to the USA. Both of my grandfathers must have done well to afford town houses in Brooklyn right around the corner from each other. I don’t know why there are two different sons named Paolo listed with two different date of births? My brother had no answer for that, and unfortunately there isn’t anyone alive who can answer this mystery……………Where’s Henry Louis Gates Jr. when you need him?????
A story passed onto me was that my grandmother had a son who died when still a baby. His name was John. She soon had another son and also named him John. I thought that was odd but maybe back then it was the norm and perhaps why there are two named Paolo.
It could very well be, but I find it odd that my mother had this paper and never discussed the extra Paolo? A true mystery since there isn’t anyone who would know.
Louis,
I love Finding Your Roots as well. I joined Ancestry and started a family tree, which was great fun. I was able to trace my father’s ancestors back to England in the 1600’s. Couldn’t find much on my maternal side. You can pay experts to “dig” up your ancestors and I’ve considered it. Why don’t you write to the show? It would be fascinating to see your story.
1600s that’s amazing! Did you discover something extraordinary?
Louis, you are an excellent candidate for “Finding your Roots”! You are truly an American success story.
We love that show and try to never miss it. I understand the new(eighth) season begins January 4, 2022.