As a third generation Italian-American, I have always been fascinated by images of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. Years ago I began asking relatives about our family immigrant story. Beyond some stories passed down through the generations, very little was really known.
Given my love for history and a good mystery, I began the process of researching this period using a mixture of family paperwork (all from Rocco Castellano), oral stories, and the internet. I was determined to find out more about the one to two generations that put us all here, in America. How do you know who you are .... if you don't know where you came from?
Along the way, I uncovered tantalizing information about the Castellano/Pepitone/Englese/Paciello family history. Much remains unknown, however, I have collected some amazing information and I am anxious to share it.
I began this journey (and subsequent blog) to share what I have learned with my family. I believe strongly that it is important to preserve the past and pass it on to the next generation. You will find each relative that I have researched listed on the right side of the page, with their individual known history laid out chronologically.
Please explore what I have uncovered, let me know if you have records/stories that you would like me to add - this is an ever-growing collection of our collective past. You can also leave comments right here on any page of the blog!
One aspect of this blog that I lack are photographs. If you have any you would like to get added to this family history, please get in touch with me and we can make it happen!
If anyone in our family would like copies of these documents, please let me know and I will be more than happy to share them!
Check back often, as I learn more, this blog will be updated.
Love,
Bianca
To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source,
a tree with a root - Chinese Proverb
Bianca, I, too, am researching the Paciello family. Giuseppe is my great grandfather, I have his ship's manifest and other documents and photos of some of his line. Just last week I received Luigi's death certificate; I'm still hunting for Carmina Balzarano. I felt like I had stumbled on a gold mine when I found your blog. I'm not quite sure how this works so I'll check back from time to time. Loved your blog! JoAnne Holmes
ReplyDeleteHi JoAnne,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! We're related! I'm so glad you found my blog!
I created it as a way to share information with my extended family. I feel like I have uncovered all there is (right now) on Ancestry.com. I do check back periodically and will update this blog with anything new I uncover.
Any information you can share about your great grandfather Giuseppe would be amazing. I have not had any luck finding the family in census records, etc. I would love to understand how the family immigrated and what happened to them once they were here. Also, would you be willing to share Luigi's death certificate with me?
If you'd like to chat more, my email address is 1979bink@gmail.com
Thank you so much for reaching out!
Best,
Bianca