Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month - Adults | Kenosha Public Library

A History

by Laurino, Maria

Book - 2015

This overview of the Italian-American experience, covering over 150 years (1860-2015), is a rewarding way to learn about the culture as well as the group’...Show more This overview of the Italian-American experience, covering over 150 years (1860-2015), is a rewarding way to learn about the culture as well as the group’s distinctive collective identity in the U.S., community and individual hardships, strengths, experiences with prejudice and discriminatory practices, the integration of Italian Americans into American society, and their contributions to the nation. Explanations of the significant differences between northern and southern Italians, and the complex history of Italian immigrants and their descendants (push & pull factors for the first generation and challenges & culture clashes faced by the second generation) are important and noteworthy. Relevant, accessible writing, photographs, illustrations, extensive archival research, the revelation of new information and documentation of forgotten events, and interviews with scholars and influential Italian Americans make this book essential for anyone. Don’t miss the four-part PBS documentary series (on DVD) which debuted in 2015. Show less

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The Italian Americans

DVD - 2015

The impact of this ethnic group in the United States has been, and continues to be, tremendous. This compelling series brings the multifaceted history of ...Show more The impact of this ethnic group in the United States has been, and continues to be, tremendous. This compelling series brings the multifaceted history of Italian Americans to life in an unprecedented way, defying stereotypes and avoiding romanticism. The research and interviews deepen understanding of their experiences and reveal lesser known aspects of the past. Part 1. La Famiglia 1890-1910; Part 2. Becoming Americans 1910-1930; Part 3. Loyal Americans 1930-1945; Part 4. The American dream 1945-[2015]. Be sure to check out the more expansive series companion book, "The Italian Americans: a History". Show less

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America's Little Italys

Recipes and Traditions From Coast to Coast

by Bellman, Sheryll

Book - 2010

This abundantly illustrated history of Italian communities in 13 major metropolitan areas across the U.S. will attract your attention and definitely make ...Show more This abundantly illustrated history of Italian communities in 13 major metropolitan areas across the U.S. will attract your attention and definitely make you want to visit your own community's restaurants, delis, bakeries, and grocery stores in search of delectable Italian-American fare. An informative, predominantly food-related timeline spanning 6000 BCE - 2010 CE is an interesting enhancement to this very browsable guide. Its 90 recipes, and a glossary of food and cooking terms also add value and encourage preparing something new at home. Show less

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The Italian Squad

The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia

by Moses, Paul

Book - 2023

Those who enjoy meticulously researched works of history and true crime will appreciate this work about the courageous and creative immigrant detectives i...Show more Those who enjoy meticulously researched works of history and true crime will appreciate this work about the courageous and creative immigrant detectives in the New York Police Department, during the early 20th century, who fought to bring the Black Hand criminals to justice who were terrorizing Italian immigrants. The author, a journalist, historian, and storyteller, describes a complex world and the men and women who struggled to gain the trust of their community in policing while confronting local politics and considerable prejudice against Italian Americans. Attentive readers will notice the parallels and differences, in more recent decades, surrounding issues associated with community policing, alienated neighborhoods, and organized crime networks. Show less

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The Family Tree Italian Genealogy Guide

How to Trace your Family Tree in Italy

by Holtz, Melanie D

Book - 2017

Consult this practical genealogy handbook, suitable for beginners, to start exploring your Italian roots in the U.S. and Italy. Chapters cover information...Show more Consult this practical genealogy handbook, suitable for beginners, to start exploring your Italian roots in the U.S. and Italy. Chapters cover information sources at home, settlement patterns, an overview of the Old Country (history, geography, names), how to locate an ancestor’s hometown, tracing one’s family in Italian records, and advanced sources and research strategies. Italian word lists and sample letters for research requests from Italian archives are useful additions to this guide. For those investigating family or local history in general, print issues of "Family Tree Magazine" may be reserved and sent to one’s most convenient neighborhood library. Online issues are also available in the "OverDrive" magazine collection. Published six times a year, each is full of interesting illustrated articles, news, resource recommendations, and problem-solving advice. Show less

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Essential Love Songs

by Martin, Dean

Music CD - 2010

Go back in time and enjoy these classic songs, sung by Dean Martin. Born Dino Paul Crocetti, he was a singer, actor, and comedian, referred to as the “Kin...Show more Go back in time and enjoy these classic songs, sung by Dean Martin. Born Dino Paul Crocetti, he was a singer, actor, and comedian, referred to as the “King of Cool,” and considered one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century. Explore more library recordings by Dean Martin, and a multitude of other artists with Italian ancestry, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Henry Mancini, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and Jon Bon Jovi. Show less

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The Great Book of Italy

by Sacerdoti, Annie

Book - 2004

Without leaving the comfort of home, take an incredible tour of the regions of Italy with this coffee table book’s stunning color photography and informat...Show more Without leaving the comfort of home, take an incredible tour of the regions of Italy with this coffee table book’s stunning color photography and informative text. This work covers diverse landscapes north to south, coastlines, cityscapes, villages, celebrations, buildings, and artistic masterpieces. Aerial shots and close-ups draw the reader in and may inspire dreams of traveling to Italia. Discoveries are enhanced by the work’s detailed index. Show less

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Tasting Italy

A Culinary Journey

Book - 2018

This examination of Italy’s diverse food traditions and cuisines is abundantly illustrated in color, the result of a partnership between experts at "...Show more This examination of Italy’s diverse food traditions and cuisines is abundantly illustrated in color, the result of a partnership between experts at "America’s Test Kitchen" and "National Geographic". The distinctive and proud cooking traditions of the country’s 20 regions are revealed through its landscapes, people, and dishes. Maps and explorations of ingredients deepen appreciation for the Italian approach to eating and life. Mouth-watering food photography and 100 recipes, with detailed guidance, encourage one to create and share a meal with family and friends. Buon appetito! Show less

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Don't Sing at the Table

Life Lessons From My Grandmothers

by Trigiani, Adriana

Book - 2010

This loving tribute to Adriana Trigiani’s grandmothers, Lucia (Lucy) Spada Bonicelli and Yolanda (Viola) Perin Trigiani, is the author’s first work of non...Show more This loving tribute to Adriana Trigiani’s grandmothers, Lucia (Lucy) Spada Bonicelli and Yolanda (Viola) Perin Trigiani, is the author’s first work of nonfiction. These women lived long lives in the 20th century and inspired their granddaughter with their love, humor, wisdom, know-how, daring, strength, and resilience. Their traditions, spiritual beliefs, and values set an example for those around them and their descendants. Both Lucy and Viola balanced careers and motherhood, became entrepreneurs, had a zest for life, and were open to growth as they aged. They imparted timeless lessons to Adriana, and the bestselling author’s storytelling gifts and attention to detail make this an enjoyable reading experience. The women’s lives and experiences in America are ones with which many can relate and are likely to evoke thoughts of memorable role models in readers' own lives. Show less

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One Hundred & One Beautiful Small Towns in Italy

by Lazzarin, Paolo

Book - 2014

This compact book, with photographs, nicely complements the large, all-encompassing Great Book of Italy. The towns, representing all of Italy’s 20 regions...Show more This compact book, with photographs, nicely complements the large, all-encompassing Great Book of Italy. The towns, representing all of Italy’s 20 regions, are listed for their historical and cultural importance (including art, architecture, local specialities, and landscapes). Each profile is 2-4 pages and practical sidebars add value. Trip planners would also need to consult recent travel handbooks and websites. A book of similar interest, The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany, would be desirable for its featured 36 villages and towns. Show less

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A Month in Siena

by Matar, Hisham

Book - 2019

The acclaimed Pulitzer-Prize winning author and literature professor has written an accessible, reflective work about the power great works of art have to...Show more The acclaimed Pulitzer-Prize winning author and literature professor has written an accessible, reflective work about the power great works of art have to move us, at so many levels, and offer another way to think about the world around us. His compassion, keen observations, life experiences, and cross-cultural insights into the human condition make this biography worthwhile. Drawn to paintings from the Sienese School of the 13th-15th centuries at a young age, he visits this city decades later. He writes about what moved him, his daily routines, Italian language classes, and meaningful interactions with residents during his stay. The Tuscan city of Siena has restricted access to motor vehicles for decades. Its historic center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous medieval square, the Piazza del Campo, is where the centuries-old Palio occurs, a bareback horse race that occurs twice each summer, accompanied by much ceremony and festivity. Show less

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Passage to Liberty

The Story of Italian Immigration and the Rebirth of America

by Ciongoli, A. Kenneth

Book - 2002

This gem of a book, in only 32 pages (with sources), covers 500 years of Italian influence in America, starting with the early explorers, friendships and ...Show more This gem of a book, in only 32 pages (with sources), covers 500 years of Italian influence in America, starting with the early explorers, friendships and associations with the Founding Fathers, the political unification of Italy in the 19th century, conditions and forces that led to mass migrations from 1880-1920, the immigration process, and the establishment of urban and rural Italian communities and ending with the World Wars and Italian-American icons. Cultural and religious life, family roles, food, prejudices and hostility from American nativists, and the myth and reality of the Mafia are also discussed. This colorful work has innovative features such as a variety of small, inserted reproductions of actual documents, with some translations (plus a letter, a recipe, and a holy card). Show less

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Very Valentine

A Novel

by Trigiani, Adriana

Book - 2009

Fans of the author may wish to try the first title in a series about the Roncalli and Angelini families, the challenges involved with revitalizing a shoe ...Show more Fans of the author may wish to try the first title in a series about the Roncalli and Angelini families, the challenges involved with revitalizing a shoe manufacturing company in the 21st century, and the complicated personal life of Valentine. Entertaining characters, food, fashion, a buying trip in Italy, and romance make for a charming gentle read. Other titles in the Valentine trilogy are "Brava, Valentine," and "The Supreme Macaroni Company". Another novel by Trigiani, "The Shoemaker's Wife," was inspired by her grandparents’ love story. Adriana is an award-winning playwright, television writer and producer, and filmmaker. Show less

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A Taste of Memories From Columbus Park

Italian Recipes and Fond Memories From the People Who Lived in Kenosha, Wisconsin's Old West Side Neighborhood of Columbus Park

by Murray, Catherine Tripalin

Book - 1992

Published in 1992, this local history book’s purpose was to interview residents and collect and preserve the recipes and stories of Italian immigrants and...Show more Published in 1992, this local history book’s purpose was to interview residents and collect and preserve the recipes and stories of Italian immigrants and Kenoshans who lived in the Columbus Park neighborhood. The importance of family, neighbors, faith, and work shine through these accounts decades later. The values, personal connections, and sense of community described in these pages will resonate with readers of various backgrounds, spark conversations with family and friends, and perhaps encourage the recording and sharing of cherished recipes and traditions. Show less

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Kenosha History Center - YouTube Kenosha Voices Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/@KenoshaHistoryCenter/playlists

Web Resource

Launched in February 2022, "Kenosha Voices", an ongoing oral history project, is being conducted by the Kenosha History Center and Kenosha Commu...Show more Launched in February 2022, "Kenosha Voices", an ongoing oral history project, is being conducted by the Kenosha History Center and Kenosha Community Media. It currently has 86 interviews posted, and represents the knowledge and perspectives of a diverse number of residents, including Kenoshans with Italian ancestry. Each filmed conversation is preserved in the Kenosha History Center archives, shared on its "YouTube" channel, and broadcast by Kenosha Community Media. Anyone interested in participating and sharing their story should contact the Kenosha History Center. The Kenosha History Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society. The Kenosha History Center collects and preserves artifacts, records and information vital to the understanding the history of the County's social, cultural, ethnic and industrial heritage since its settlement. The Center uses these materials, acting alone or in collaboration with other citizens and organizations, to disseminate knowledge of our collective local history through its museum, historic sites, research and outreach and publication programs for the benefit of the community and its visitors. Show less

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Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month - Adults

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