Italians in Baltimore (Images of America)

Italian immigrants flocked to America beginning in the mid-1800s unaware of the hardships ahead, much like the harsh conditions they left behind in Italy. Despite discrimination, scarce employment, hunger, and drudgery, they courageously established trades, businesses, parishes, and solid family life in neighborhood enclaves nearly identical to their native villages. Close to two centuries later, Baltimore's thriving Italian community marvels at the grit and backbone of their families in their conquest of Americanization. Fortified by love of today's famiglia, food, traditions, faith, and close-knit community, Baltimore Italians celebrate their ethnicity while honoring those before them. These captivating photographs--cherished and generously shared by families of Baltimore's Italian immigrants--offer a brief yet fascinating insight into some of their rich history: who came from which village, how they paved the way, the jobs they worked, how they grew up, and the bravery displayed as they fought in wars for the United States. They did not sacrifice their birthright to become American; instead, they humbly added to it and called themselves Italian Americans.

Arts & Photography

Molino, Suzanna Rosa

Photography & Video

Arcadia Publishing

The daughter of Italian immigrants from Sardinia, Italy, Gina Mossa Molino was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1933. In 1946 at age 12, she was plucked from the familiarity of American life and shipped to Sardinia with her siblings and mamma after Papà Giovanni Mossa died tragically on-the-job building soldier barracks in Baltimore. In a ‘reverse emigration' story, Gina shares detailed anecdotes of growing up in the 1930-40s in Brooklyn and the poor Italian village of Luras, Sardinia, under the watch of a strict Italian mamma bravely raising three children alone, and lovingly guided by uncles and aunts. Gina's daughter and coauthor, Suzanna Rosa Molino (author, Baltimore's Little Italy: Heritage &amp; History of The Neighborhood), passionate about her Sardinian heritage, shares memories of growing up as the granddaughter of Nonna Antonica, a significant influence in Suzanna's life. With vintage photographs, some Sardinian history, amusing &amp; emotional stories, and description of the ongoing connection between the Mossa cousins in Italy and America today, The Italian Immigrants’ Daughter offers an authentic peek of first- and second-generation Italian life, as described by mother and daughter.

The Italian Immigrants' Daughter

Biographies & Memoirs

Molino, Gina Mossa

Community & Culture

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Before outdoor films, mouth watering cuisine and the spectacle of bocce brought thousands of visitors to its streets, Baltimore s Little Italy was a haven for generations of immigrants. With Saint Leo s Church at its heart, The Neighborhood is a place where lifelong friendships are forged and nicknames are serious business. The community still celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony Italian Festival in tribute to the saint who was credited with saving the neighborhood from the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. As sons went to the front during both world wars, families pulled together during the hard times. With memories of beloved local figures like Marion Mugs Mugavero and artist Tony DeSales, interviews with lifelong locals and a few classic recipes, author Suzanna Rosa Molino creates a spirited history of this enduring Italian community."

Baltimore's Little Italy: Heritage and History of the Neighborhood

History

Americas

History Press Library Editions

Arcadia Pub (Sc)

Before outdoor films, mouth watering cuisine and the spectacle of bocce brought thousands of visitors to its streets, Baltimore's Little Italy was a haven for generations of immigrants. With Saint Leo's Church at its heart, The Neighborhood is a place where lifelong friendships are forged and nicknames are serious business. The community still celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony Italian Festival in tribute to the saint who was credited with saving the neighborhood from the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. As sons went to the front during both world wars, families pulled together during the hard times. With memories of beloved local figures like Marion "Mugs" Mugavero and artist Tony DeSales, interviews with lifelong locals and a few classic recipes, author Suzanna Rosa Molino creates a spirited history of this enduring Italian community.

Baltimore's Little Italy: Heritage and History of The Neighborhood (American Heritage)

The History Press

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Books by Molino, Suzanna Rosa