It is astounding that the Paterno family built 164 buildings in Manhattan over the course of 68 years. For me, one of the most delightful features is that they personalized 40 of these buildings with a monogrammed cartouche, cornerstone, fence, marquee, door, balconette, or face. To date, 69 monogrammed terra cotta cartouches have been discovered across these 40 buildings. See them all, learn how they were made, and how they are being preserved in the new YouTube video below.
Video – The Paterno Castle: Deep Dive into NYC’s Famed Gilded Age Mansion
This video introduces you to The Paterno Castle built in 1907 and demolished in 1938 by Dr. Charles V. Paterno. It overlooked the Hudson River in Washington Heights in Manhattan, New York City.
NYC Italian-American Legacy – Paterno Construction Co
I enjoyed my recent conversation with Bob Sorrentino who creates an online suite of Italian-American education and information in various media formats known as Italian Roots and Genealogy. You can watch the video below or listen to the same conversation as a podcast HERE.
Bob wrote: Did you know that tracing your family roots can unlock a treasure trove of rich history? This episode takes you on a captivating journey through Italy and the United States, retracing the roots of the Paterno and Cappiello families. With the company of Carla Paterno-Cappiello Golden, we explore the significance of visiting ancestral villages, contrasting impressions of Naples and Bari, and the process of obtaining dual citizenship.
Carla and I share our personal experiences visiting the Italy, and our respective hometowns. We discuss the insights gained from these visits and the impact understanding our roots has on our sense of identity. We also delve into the fascinating story of the Paterno family’s immigration to the United States, their success in the construction business, and the legacy they have left in Manhattan.
Finally, we touch on the charm of Naples, the beauty of Bari, and the connection to our family history that these cities hold. Carla walks us through her personal journey towards dual citizenship, emphasizing the importance of preserving family stories for future generations. This episode is an entertaining blend of personal experiences, historical facts, and practical insights that will leave you yearning to explore your own family history.
Video – Paterno Family: Chronicling a New York Real Estate Legacy
This video introduces you to The Paterno Family and the 164 buildings they built in Manhattan.
‘The King of Christmas’ Video Presentation by The Italian Genealogical Group
The Italian Genealogical Group (IGG) is dedicated to promoting Italian family history and genealogy. As a non-profit organization, the IGG is dedicated to furthering genealogical research through educational initiatives and the curation of resources. Established in 1993, the IGG exists to provide support for those interested in researching their Italian ancestry.
On November 22, 2022, in the IGG Facebook group, IGG posted a call for family holiday stories to be shared at the December membership meeting. I pitched the story of my great-grandfather, Dr. Charles V. Paterno, and his love of Christmas. The story was chosen! Pamela J. Vittorio, IGG Vice President of Programming, incorporated material from my website with visuals and other content, and wove it into a beautiful story that duly honored The Paterno family.
We hope you enjoy the video. Merry Christmas! Buon Natale!