New Jersey

October 29, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: You!

For my last post for Italian Heritage Month, I felt I needed to highlight a very important person that is part of Italian heritage in New Jersey: you! And when I say you, I mean the collective you; the Italian-American community in New Jersey. All month I’ve shared stories of amazing New Jerseyans of our… Continue reading

History, New Jersey

Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, New Jersey history
October 23, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Patrick O’Boyle

Now, I know what you are thinking. This is Italian Heritage Month. Why am I highlighting a guy with an Irish name? Stick with me and you will quickly see why. So far this month, I have highlighted important figures who have been important parts of the foundation of Italian heritage and culture in New… Continue reading

History, New Jersey, Preservation

Italian American Heritage Month, Montclair State University, New Jersey, New Jersey history, North Arlington, Patrick O'Boyle, Queen of Peace High School, Seton Hall University, The Italian American Podcast
October 18, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: St. Lucy’s Church

If someone asked me what is the most important location associated with Italian heritage in New Jersey, I would say without hesitation St. Lucy’s Church. Since its cornerstone was placed in 1891, St. Lucy’s Church in Newark has been a source of pride and devotion for the millions of Italian immigrants and the generations that… Continue reading

Essex County, Exploring, Festivals, History, New Jersey

Feast of St. Gerard, First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
October 13, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: John Basilone

In an earlier post, I noted that Italian immigrants and Americans of Italian descent made up approximately 10% of the entire fighting force during World War II; more than any other ethnicity. Despite Italian immigrants kept under surveillance and some put in containment camps, they volunteered by the thousands to fight against their Motherland. One… Continue reading

History, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey, Somerset County

John Basilone, Marine Corps, Medal of Honor, New Jersey, Quantico, Raritan, Somerset County, US Army, World War II
October 8, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Frankie Valli

“Newark, Belleville; Frankie Valli walks on water. As he should. Frankie Valli has been around so long he’s attached to everything and everybody. And they are very proud.” ~Steve Schirripa, Talking Sopranos podcast. Belleville has been home to plenty of talent over the decades. Connie Francis, Joe Pesci, and of course Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, known… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey

Belleville, Frankie Valli, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, Newark, Stephen Crane Village
October 6, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Joseph Rotunda

Many of us have passed by Rotunda Pool in Newark on our way to St. Lucy’s Church or coming out of Branch Brook Park and have not given it a second thought. It is, however, an important location in the community and New Jersey Italian heritage. Rotunda Pool is named after Private Joseph Ralph Rotunda… Continue reading

Essex County, Exploring, History, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, Pvt. Joseph Rotunda, World War II
October 3, 2021

Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Connie Francis

When I thought about who I should highlight first this year during Italian Heritage Month, I wanted to go with a local hero. Yes, she is a favorite daughter of New Jersey, but she is also a favorite daughter of my hometown, Belleville. Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, known professionally as Connie Francis, was born into… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, History, Jersey Icon, Music, New Jersey

Belleville, Connie Francis, New Jersey, Newark
October 1, 2021

October is Italian Heritage Month

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a proud New Jerseyan. I am also very proud of my Italian heritage. October in Italian Heritage Month and as I do each year, I plan on writing about New Jerseyans of Italian heritage that have made a significant impact on our… Continue reading

Essex County, History, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

First Ward, Italian American Heritage Month, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church
August 1, 2021

The End of an Era: The Fireplace

Over the last year or so, New Jersey has seen many wonderful businesses close for good. Last year I shared my memories of Rosebud’s in Belleville, which closed forever. The independently-owned pharmacy I used for over a decade closed earlier this year. Now, I am sad to share the news of another closure; The Fireplace… Continue reading

Bergen County, Food, New Jersey

New Jersey, shop small, Small Business
November 15, 2019

Researching History Using High-Tech

In my last post, I shared the story of a centuries-old dwelling in Paramus that is in danger of being torn down. I opined about my concerns when it comes to preserving New Jersey’s past. Well, I am happy to share a story about trying to learn more about individuals in unmarked graves in one… Continue reading

Essex County, History, New Jersey, Preservation

Belleville, cemeteries, National Register of Historic Places, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Reformed Dutch Church