A year ago, when I first envisioned a memorial to honor the victims of the 1896 Gilorma Mill landslide in Alessandria del Carretto, where my great uncle Alessandro Arvia perished, it existed only as a quiet hope, born from love for a town and its history. That hope was also shaped by my family’s journey: The Arvia family immigrated to Chicago, carrying with them memories of Alessandria del Carretto and the stories of those lost. Today, that hope stands in stone. What began as a heartfelt idea has grown into a community triumph shaped by generosity, determination and a commitment …

Our family histories play a crucial role in shaping who we are today. They serve as a powerful reminder of our roots, the hardships our ancestors overcame and the resilience that defines a community. By embracing these rich legacies, we not only pay tribute to their struggles but also commit to keeping their stories alive for future generations. At precisely 1 p.m. on Nov. 30, 1896, a devastating tragedy unfolded at the Gilorma grain mill, just a few kilometers from the town of Alessandria del Carretto along the Saraceno River in the province of Cosenza. A sudden landslide had blocked …

The gravitational pull of their shared DNA was irresistible. On Dec. 29, 2023, the inhabitants of Alessandria del Carretto convened with their paesani in America in this ancient Calabrian mountain town for their first-ever Heritage Day. The two groups organized the gathering to celebrate the enduring bond between them. The day’s festivities, which were videotaped for American viewers, began at the municipal library, where attendees were shown a display of photographs. Among them were images of the town’s American descendants wearing T-shirts printed with their names and family connections. The display also included a photo of Mayor Domenico Vuodo with …