S01E00: Welcome to “Nuova York: Hidden in Plain Sight”

S01E00: Welcome to “Nuova York: Hidden in Plain Sight”

Welcome to New York, the largest Italian city in America! But do you know just how deeply Italian roots run through the bustling streets of the Big Apple? Well, that’s what our video series, ‘Nuova York: Hidden in Plain Sight,’ is all about! Brought to life by Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, this series is on a mission to uncover and showcase the tangible traces of Italian presence in New York City. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to discover. You see, New York City proudly boasts the largest Italian-American population in North America and ranks as the third-largest Italian population outside of Italy itself. Back in the late 1800s to early 1900s, more than 4 million Italians made their way to the United States, and guess what? Hundreds of thousands decided to make the vibrant streets of New York their home sweet home. Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are these ‘material signs’ of Italian heritage hidden within the city? Well, some of them are quite famous, while others remain hidden gems, often overlooked. There are the grand monuments built to celebrate Italy and its rich heritage, and then there are those charming specialty food shops, keeping the flavors of Italy alive. But hey, we’re not just living in the past here! The debate about the Columbus monument still rages on, and in 2020, we even added a new gem to the collection: the Mother Cabrini Memorial in Battery Park. Each episode of our series will shine a spotlight on something special – be it a monument, a church, a store, a building, or even a street. We’re going to answer those fundamental questions: when was it established, by whom, and why? We’re thrilled to take you on this journey of discovery, and we’re eager to hear from you. Share your feedback and let us in on your favorite Italian spot in New York City. Plus, we’re creating a virtual map with pins that’ll take you directly to the videos of these incredible sites. So, benvenuti a Nuova York – the greatest Italian city in America! Get ready to explore the Italian heartbeat of the city that never sleeps.