Get started on Italian-American research. We will cover background on Italy, why your ancestors left, where they settled, why your grandfather has five cousins named Vincenzo, including examples of useful records in the US and Italy. Knowing what their life was like in the old country helps us understand their choices and behavior when they came to America: why they were slow to naturalize, why the family was the most important institution, why they worked as laborers, and why food was a source of celebration.

 Bio

Margaret Rose Fortier is a Board-certified genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. Named after her grandmothers and inspired by her mother’s phenomenal memory, she is the daughter of an immigrant. She focuses on immigrants to New England and dual citizenship. She serves on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and is co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. She is eternally grateful that her grandfather left the coal mines of Pennsylvania and returned to Quincy.