History

Italians first came to America in the 1550s, when Giovanni da Verrazzano discovered New York Harbor. By the middle of the 17th century, Italians had settled in New York, arriving with Dutch settlers (the first child born in New York State had an Italian mother and a Dutch father). Most Italian immigrants, however, arrived in America in the latter years of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. Early Italian immigrants tended to be seeking adventure. Additionally, Italian craftsmen were invited over. During mass migration periods, trouble in Italy — including natural disasters, too many people on too little land, the unification of the country which left southern Italians struggling against their northern counterparts, and poverty — led to U.S. migration.

Life in New York

New York has more people claiming Italian heritage than any other state in the union (although Rhode Island has the most Italians by percentage).

The United States, however, wasn’t a welcoming environment to the Italian immigrant, who was greeted with discrimination and prejudice — wage, social, and otherwise. To defend themselves against an unwelcoming environment, Italian immigrants would typically settle near other Italians. In an effort to better blend with the American populace, Italians were also discouraged from speaking their native language.

Because of difficulty in assimilation and because a number of Italian immigrants came to America with the intent to make money and then return home, Italians had a high rate of return to their homeland — estimates range between 20 and 40 percent.

Jobs 

America needed laborers and Italian labor came cheap. Italians were known as hard workers and willing to sacrifice. An Italian working on the construction of the New York subway might make $1.00 a day, while members of other ethnic groups could bring in $1.25 or $1.50. Italian names were often difficult for people to pronounce, so Italian workers were often given a number. Most Italians who came to America were either unskilled or semiskilled laborers, taking jobs on the railroad, public works projects, construction projects, and in mines.

Impact and Legacy 

In New York City, Italians had a strong influence on the city’s architecture. But, since Italians were apt to seek out jobs and were more than willing to travel for employment, the group has a presence in every state in the union. Northern Italians were more likely, however, to live in the western United States than were their counterparts from southern Italy. New York Italians predominantly have roots that extend from southern Italy.

Genealogy Tidbits 

Because of the group’s preference for chain migration, most Italians living in any American community came from a specific region or city in Italy.

One of the oldest and largest Italian immigrant aid societies was the Order of the Sons of Italy in America. Their records are currently housed in their lodges, at their national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at the University of Minnesota’s Immigration History Research Center.

Museums celebrating Italian American heritage include the Italian American Museum and the Italian American Institute, both in New York City, and the American Italian Museum and Cultural Center in Albany. Each offers a variety of resources that can help you discover more about Italian ancestors.

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