Want to know more about Italian wines?

If so, there's a great book by Joseph Bastianich and David Lynch titled Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy. The book is 33% off on Amazon right now and would make a great Christmas gift!

Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy

New Archealogical Find in Rome

As is always the case in ancient cities, construction in Rome constantly uncovers archealogical gems. Recently a flight of marble steps was uncovered which led archealogists to believe they belonged to Hadrian's Academy, a building which supported Nero's rotating dining room on Palatine Hill.

All this was uncovered because an underground railroad needed to be dug to serve the needs of Roman citizens. History has much to teach us.

Tip on "Cittadinanza" or Citizenship Records

Many of our Italian ancestors were not stationary. Some traveled from town to town on a daily basis plying their chosen trade. Yet others moved with the seasons, often spending summers in the countryside within the jurisdiction of another town.

When consulting the 19th century citizenship records, one must keep in mind that seasonal migrations were often not recorded in town records since they weren’t considered permanent moves. See David I. Kertzer and Dennis P. Hogan, “On the Move: Migration in an Italian Community, 1865-1921,” Social Science History, (Issue 9, 1985), pp. 5-6.

New Foundation for Italian Heritage in NJ

If you live in or near southern NJ, there is a new foundation to promote Italian heritage called the Italian Cultural Foundation of South Jersey, Inc. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Italian heritage.

Plans are to hold educational lectures, offer dance and language lessons, host musicians, and offer slideshows.

For more information email Vincent Marolda at vincentmarolda@sprynet.com.

Airport for Agrigento

30 million Euros were allocated this week for a new airport in the Sicilian city of Agrigento. Read more about it here: Agrigento Airport

This is a valuable infrastructure project for Sicily.

Free Italian/History Courses Available from Yale

Amongst an impressive list of available courses are several that lovers of Italy may find useful.

Italian 310: Dante in Translation, taught by Giuseppe Mazzotta, the Sterling Professor of Humanities for Italian

History of Art 252: Roman Architecture, taught by Diana E.E. Kleiner, the Dunham Professor of History of Art and Classics

History 202: European Civilization, 1648-1945, taught by John Merriman, the Charles Seymour Professor of History

See this link: Yale Courses

Italian National Anthem

Watch this beautiful slideshow while listening to the Italian National Anthem.

Italian National Anthem

Enjoy!