Genealogy Club Presents Andiamo! Finding Your Italian Family with Certified Genealogist, Margaret Fortier. 

Why did your Italian ancestor have five cousins all named Joe? Why did married women travel under their maiden names? Was Sally really Serafina? This presentation explores the factors that pushed and pulled Italians to emigrate, what they found when they arrived, Italian naming patterns and name changes, and how to start your search. Knowing what their life was like in Italy helps us to understand their choices and behavior when they emigrated: why they were slow to naturalize, why the family was the most important institution, and why food was a source of celebration.

Margaret Rose Fortier, a Quincy native, is a Board-certified genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. Named after her grandmothers and inspired by her mother’s phenomenal memory, she specializes in immigrant ancestors to New England. A graduate of Boston College and Bentley University, she holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She serves on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is eternally grateful that her grandfather left the coal mines of Pennsylvania and returned to Quincy.

Have questions? Email qulocalhistory@ocln.org

This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library