Well into adulthood, Pittsburgh native Paul Paolicelli knew little about his Italian ancestry. He became curious about his family’s history after learning the sad story surrounding his grandfather’s death.
The result has been a pair of books, Dances With Luigi and Under The Southern Sun, with a third book in the works. Paolicelli discussed some themes from the books during a presentation today to the John Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury Society.
Click play below to learn why Paolicelli believes response was so strong to his first book, even in parts of the country not known for having high concentrations of Americans with Italian backgrounds.
2:15 p.m. update: Watch the full 52:17 recording, including the story about Paolicelli’s grandfather, by clicking the play button below.
You’ll find other John Locke Foundation video presentations here.