LA VOCE DI NEW YORK

Tracing Italian Roots Debuts in New York: An Evening of Community, Heritage, and Inspiration at the Consulate General of Italy

The official launch of TracingITALIANroots.NY© took place at the Consulate General of Italy in New York, marking the debut of a project dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian heritage in the United States through a digital platform designed to collect personal stories, family histories, and migration journeys.

The event brought together Italians, Italian Americans, and Americans interested in the history of the Italian presence in the United States for an evening centered on dialogue, remembrance, and cultural exchange.

The program opened with remarks by Ornella Fado, Vice President of COMITES New York, Chair of the Communications and Events Commission, and Project Manager of the initiative. Fado welcomed guests and thanked the Italian institutions for their support, with special recognition given to Deputy Consul General Laura Pirino for hosting the event and supporting the project.

During the evening, Deputy Consul General Laura Pirino expressed her appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of preserving the history and cultural heritage of the Italian diaspora in the United States.

Fado guided attendees through the various segments of the presentation and acknowledged both the individuals already featured on the Tracing Italian Roots platform and those who will soon contribute to this growing archive dedicated to the history of Italian immigration.

“Seeing such heartfelt participation around a project devoted to memory, identity, and the transmission of our roots to future generations was deeply moving,” said Fado, who served as both host and organizer of the evening.

A highlight of the event was the presentation by Fabio Castagna, creator of the Tracing Italian Roots web platform, who demonstrated how the system works, outlined its technical structure, and discussed its potential as a tool for rediscovering Italian heritage around the world and reconnecting younger generations with their family origins and ancestral communities.

Promoted by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and Italea, the project was created to support roots tourism and strengthen cultural ties between Italy and Italian communities abroad through innovative digital tools and first-person storytelling.

COMITES New York is overseeing the project’s development throughout the Tri-State area—New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—with the goal of engaging an increasing number of Italians and Italian Americans in documenting stories, memories, and experiences related to Italian immigration in the United States.

Among the distinguished guests were Maby Palmisano, President of COMITES Washington, where the pilot version of the project originated, and Silvana Mangione, Vice Secretary General of the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE), who emphasized the cultural significance of an initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of Italian emigration.

Several members of COMITES New York were also in attendance, including President Barbara Pelachin Marciandi, Joe Rizzi, Paolo Tartamella, Dede Porcu, and Pasquale Masullo, demonstrating the strong support of the local Italian community.

During an interview conducted at the event, Barbara Pelachin Marciandi expressed her gratitude to Ornella Fado for leading the organization of the evening and for her role as Project Manager, highlighting her dedication and commitment to engaging both the Italian and Italian American communities in a project of significant cultural and historical value.

The presentation also highlighted several stories already featured on the platform, including those of Joseph Scelsa and Stefano Albertini, two prominent figures in New York’s Italian and Italian American cultural landscape.

The launch of Tracing Italian Roots carries particular significance during the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The project seeks to help tell the story of the Italian contribution to American history—a journey that symbolically begins with the very name “America,” derived from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci.

Revisiting the stories of Italian immigrants, their achievements, sacrifices, and lasting impact on American society represents an important opportunity to preserve historical memory and pass it on to future generations.

Special recognition was also given to journalist Rosa Coppola, who collaborates with the project on collecting personal testimonies and developing narrative profiles for the platform.

Guests also enjoyed a well-received reception generously provided by Nick Pesce, whose catering helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflected the spirit of Italian hospitality. The evening concluded with conversations, networking, and new connections, reaffirming the shared commitment to preserving the history of Italian immigration—an enduring cultural bridge between Italy and the United States.

LINK WEB