In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, we air a conversation recorded this past summer in Sicily with Laura Lee, founder of Digging Up Roots in the Boot, which specializes in heritage tourism and genealogical research throughout Italy for Americans, Canadians, and Australians of Italian descent. The conversation covers attaining your dual citizenship, discovering and reconnecting with your Italian relatives.
In our Stories Segment, Anthony speaks with Rita Richardson, an Italian American living in Nashville, who is spearheading a campaign to save and restore a 17th century baroque chapel located in Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany, Italy, and by extension the community it resides within.
Episode Quote
“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” – Anna Akhmatova
Tweetables
- “There are a lot of variables you need to consider.” – Anthony Fasano on seeking Italian Citizenship as an Italian American
- “The people are really authentic, friendly, and wonderful.” Laura Lee on living in the Calabria Region of Italy
- “The only way for me to get out was to back my car up.” – Anthony Fasano on traveling through small Italian villages
- “If you find your family in Italy, they will treat you like they’ve known you forever.” – Anthony Fasano
- “I decided that the person to save the church was me.” – Rita Richardson on saving the Church of San Filippino
About our guest…Laura Lee of Digging Up Roots in the Boot
Episode Sponsors
The National Italian American Foundation
Nonna Box – Enter PODCAST at checkout for a 10% discount
Resources Mentioned
Digging Up Roots in the Boot
Heritage Tourism Free Guide
5 Key Criteria for Italian Citizenship “Jure Sanguinis“
Friends of San Fillipino
[su_spacer]Grazie Mille,
Anthony Fasano and Dolores Alfieri
Co-Hosts, The Italian American Podcast
I believe that the “1948 Rule” states that a woman cannot pass citizenship to any children born prior to 1948. The rule is based on when the child was born not when the woman was born. In my case, my mother was born in 1928 but was able to pass citizenship to me as I was born 1956.
Andy Zarick, you are absolutely correct! Thank you for catching my mistake and clarifying it for everyone here. Have you had your Italian citizenship recognized?