This past Thursday, Nov. 7, the University welcomed genealogist James Trovarello to take part in the ongoing Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Manella Endowed Distinguished Speakers Series.
The lecture sponsored by the Italian Studies Program, was entitled, “Pursuing Your Italian Roots,” and showcased Trovarello’s work regarding Italian genealogy and his wide array of historical research expertise.
Trovarello has spent the past 35 years conducting Italian and Sicillian genealogy searches. With a specific focus on Italian church and civil records, Trovarello is the owner of “Italian Family Research” located in Philadelphia.
Though his life has become immersed in Italian-American culture and history, Trovarello’s career path as a retired federal agent and a private investigator was one that always included skilled research.
Now, he has taught research techniques at various family history centers, as well as presented his work on Italian genealogy at several Italian cultural clubs and organizations.
Beginning in 2009, the Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Manella Endowed Distinguished Speakers Series seeks to celebrate Italian-American History and Culture. Alfred S. Manella was a former student at the University school of Business, and has attended several of the previous lectures himself.
Former speakers include Richard N. Juliani, who researches immigration and ethnic life with a focus on the Italian-American experience, as well as Rev. Micheal Di Gregorio, who presented his lecture entitled, “The Birth of a Mission to South Philadelphia Italians: a Friar’s Tale.”
Each guest brings a novel research approach, course of study or unique focus to the University annually. Though they differ from topic to topic, all embrace and highlight elements of Italian-American life.
Trovarello’s lecture emphasized the vitality of understanding ancestry. His research highlighted the variety of ways to trace one’s lineage, especially through the use of documentation. Trovarello himself uses church records and civil records to trace roots.
While many of the students at the lecture attended due to their pursuit of a major or minor within the Italian studies program, several attended due to an interest in their personal lineage and how one can trace back their family history through simple documentation and careful research.
Other students concurred Trovarello’s expertise in genealogy captivated them throughout the lecture, going on to mention their previous unfamiliarity with said area of study. Others in attendance noted their interest in his career path from being a private investigator and federal agent to owning and operating “Italian Family Research” within Philadelphia.
The annual Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Manella Endowed Distinguished Speakers Series will host a new guest in 2025, offering a new story celebrating Italian-American history and culture.
