Italian American Digest 7Italian American Digest FALL 2018

FALL 2018 I talian A merican D igest PAGE 11 Genealogy Gem in the Heart of the Italian Heritage Festa by Tracy Vogelsanger Each year in July, the Greater Ba- ton Rouge American Italian Associa- tion pulls together a pretty awesome Italian Heritage Festa at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel Atrium. This year it was held on July 21-22. Saturday evening included an Italian dinner and show featuring Joe DeNone & His Band, described on the festival’s website as “Sinatra, Mar- tin and Prima all in one.” On Sunday, the Festa featured the Italian Maids, a vino stroll for charity, a celebrity grape stomp, and a dance-off. But it wasn’t all spectacle. Another big draw for festival-goers was the opportunity to research their Italian heritage. Sal Serio, who curates the Amer- ican Italian Research Library at the Jefferson Parish Library, led a con- tingent of about 30 volunteers in an effort to bring to the community an invaluable gift: sharing a glimpse into family lineage. For several hours, Sal and his volunteers led approxi- mately 250 visitors on a genealogical journey. There were 12 tables, each manned by least two volunteers who were available to answer guests’ questions. The many guests were de- lighted by the vast knowledge of the various organizations present, which included the Jefferson Parish Gene- alogy Society, African American Ge- nealogy, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Cajuns, Canary Island Genealogical and Historical Society, the Genealogy Research Society of New Orleans, and a group that helps people obtain dual citizenship. The response from the volunteers was very positive this year. As Liam Callanan said, “We all carry inside us people who came before us.” It was evident the volunteers saw the beauty in sharing, and the guests were over- joyed at learning even a sliver of who they too are carrying inside them. From the young to the not-so-young, visitors showed a fervent desire to learn more about who they are. There were many smiles that day, as well as new stories told and friend- ships forged. It was all made possible by the Greater Baton Rouge Ameri- can Italian Association, the Ameri- can Italian Research Library, curator Sal Serio, and countless volunteers. Thanks also to Michele Lehmann, Phyllis Cosentino, Suzanne LeBaron, Emily Ford, Christy Rivet, Gracelen Rivet, Debbie West, Judy Rizzuto Williams, Lorraine Rizzuto, Gaynell Brady, Casey Stuart, Martin Guidry, Clifford Norman, Joan Aleman, Paul Newfield, Greg LaCava and more for showing others that those who came before are still a part of us—the gem that is our heritage. For the gift that keeps on giving, a special thank-you is in order to Sarah Twilbeck of Ages Ago Estate Sales for donating many old Italian-language publications and correspondence to the American Italian Research Li- brary. All pertained to various benev- olence societies. Two of these items were priceless for researchers. The first was the initial ledger of the Soci- eta di Mutua Beneficenza Terminese. It contained the minutes of their Society beginning in 1903, including many, many names. The second was a booklet of the Second Italian Festival for the benefit of purchasing the Ital- ian Hall. It featured various pictures and captions of several benevolent societies from the time period. It also contained many advertisements of Italian businesses. All researchers—from those who are only starting their genealogy journey to those well into their re- search—are encouraged to visit the American Italian Research Library at the Jefferson Parish Library to utilize its immense resources and to con- verse with Sal Serio, who is himself is a wealth of knowledge and invaluable to our city, heritage, and research.

Italian American Digest 7Italian American Digest FALL 2018 | Page 11