In this first episode of Series Eight of The Family Histories Podcast, host Andrew Martin meets author, family historian, and the host of the Italian Roots and Genealogy YouTube series and podcast - Bob Sorrentino, and finds out about his Italian-American roots, and his connections to Italian and the wider European nobility.

THE LIFE STORY - ISABELLA D'ESTE
We're off to the 15th Century to hear about one of Bob's ancestors - Isabella d'Este (born 1474 in Ferrara, Italy) was the wife of Francesco II Gonzaga - the Marquis of Mantua, Italy, and whilst her husband appeared to prefer going off to fight as a mercenary, Isabella found herself left in charge.

Under her influence, she encouraged culture and art, and became one of the leading women in the Italian Renaissance. She also ensured that women could access education, and she herself is known to have amassed a collection of around 20,000 letters.

She died in her 60's in 1539, and no doubt left an important legacy for both Italy and women.

THE BRICK WALL - MARIA ANGELA DE RISO
We're only stepping back to the 18th Century this time for Bob's brick wall, and this is his 4x Great Grandmother - Maria Angela De Riso. He knows that she was born circa 1750, likely in Carpinone, in western Molise, Italy, but her origins, and the identity of her parents remains unknown.

Maria was an Italian Baroness by birth, but Bob cannot find information on the generation further back - did her parents buy their land and titles?

• Who were Maria's parents?
• Where did they come from before Maria's birth?

If you think you can help Bob crack this brick wall with a clue or research idea, then you can contact him at his Facebook Group - Italian Roots and Genealogy, his YouTube channel, or alternatively, you can send us a message via our contact form, and we'll pass it along to him.

In the meantime, while Bob is curious of Andrew's offer of help, will he get to his answer safely...

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Episode Credits

• Andrew Martin - Host and Producer
• Bob Sorrentino - Guest
• John Spike - Sándor Petőfi

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