About Us

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Those of us around the world who have Poggioreale heritage are fortunate that there are a multitude of books written about and by Poggiorealesi. Most of these books are written in Italian leaving a void of our being able to learn more about our ancestral town and the people.

 

Many of you are familiar with the book “The History of Poggioreale” in English that was translated from “The Storia di Poggioreale” in 1993. The translation was paid for by four cousins. Two of the cousins each privately published a translated book. Robert Lowry, Jr., who was gifted the original book in Poggioreale, and a few years later Marilyn Maniscalco Henley, published copies. Many of these books were widely distributed to cousins and others over the years.

 

After Tina Tondola Anderson and Ross Todaro formed Poggioreale in America in 2018, they started learning about other books about Poggioreale written by Poggiorealesi. Many of these were not widely available and not written in English. After obtaining a copy of the book, there were many details and learning curves in addition to obtaining permission to translate and publish from the author or whoever held the copyright. Finding a translator was another hurdle.

 

Poggioreale in America Inc was formed to provide historical, educational and genealogical benefits

for all American descendants of Poggioreale and for students of Sicilian heritage and culture.  Being able to offer English translations of as many books as we can is another part of that mission.

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We offer a heartfelt Thank You to those who have provided donations of money and time that supports this mission. (PIA is a Non-Profit organization).

 

Currently, we offer three books in the PIA Historical Series with more in the works. All are available on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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Love Letters to Poggioreale, Sicily: An English Translation of Books by Arciprete Nunzio Caronna, 1901-1906

The author, Father Nunzio Caronna, a scholar and an Archbishop (Arciprete) wrote many books and papers. His early books, two of which are included, were about his hometown of Poggioreale that he dearly loved.  This book also introduces the reader to Poggioreale in America, Tina Tondola Anderson and Ross Todaro.

 

Poggioreale of Sicily from Peasant Civilization to Today: An English Translation of the Erasmo Vella Book.

Professor Erasmo Vella, Poggioreale native, wrote a modern study of Poggioreale and its people written in 2003. It provides an historical and sociological look at the Poggiorealesi people before, during and after the devastating 1968 Belice Valley earthquake. 

 

From Poggioreale to Australia: An English Translation of the Girolamo Cangelosi Book, "Storia di un emigrante da Poggioreale all' Australia" is the third book in the series. A native of Poggioreale, 19 year old Girolamo Cangelosi emigrated to Sydney Australia in 1960. He takes us on the journey of his life in his beloved Poggioreale, why he chose to follow his older brother to Australia and learning to adapt to the new country. This personal family story will have you thinking about your own families even if the circumstances are not the same and, yet, some life experiences can be similar.