Episode 99: Finding Family in Italy: Kris Rini's Journey to Citizenship, Calabria & Home Jul 8 Written By Stephanie Detton When Kris Rini began researching his Italian family history, he had no idea it would lead him to livingrelatives in Calabria, the restoration of his family's original surname, and the emotional experience of becoming an Italian citizen.In this episode, Kris shares how growing up in a close-knit Italian American family on Long Island sparked a lifelong curiosity about his heritage. What started as genealogy research eventually uncovered long-lost cousins in a small Calabrian village, unforgettable reunions in Italy, and a journey that forever changed the way he sees himself and his family's story.We also talk about:Growing up in an Italian American household on Long IslandThe surprising truth behind his family's surnameResearching Italian ancestors and tracing family recordsFinding living relatives in Calabria through social mediaThe emotional experience of visiting his ancestral villagesNavigating Italy's ever-changing citizenship lawsWhy preserving our family's stories matters for future generationsIf you've ever wondered where your family came from—or dreamed of walking the same streets your ancestors once did—this conversation is a reminder that the journey is about much more than documents. It's about connection, belonging, and bringing your family's story back to life.🇮🇹 Because every family has a story worth remembering. Italian AmericanItalian american storiesitalian american stories podcastItalian citizenshipItalian ancestryItalian dual citizenshipItalian genealogyCalabriaItalian family historySicilyItalian rootsItalian heritageFamily historyGenealogy podcastItalian immigrationItalian passportFinding family in ItalyItalian villages Stephanie Detton
Episode 99: Finding Family in Italy: Kris Rini's Journey to Citizenship, Calabria & Home Jul 8 Written By Stephanie Detton When Kris Rini began researching his Italian family history, he had no idea it would lead him to livingrelatives in Calabria, the restoration of his family's original surname, and the emotional experience of becoming an Italian citizen.In this episode, Kris shares how growing up in a close-knit Italian American family on Long Island sparked a lifelong curiosity about his heritage. What started as genealogy research eventually uncovered long-lost cousins in a small Calabrian village, unforgettable reunions in Italy, and a journey that forever changed the way he sees himself and his family's story.We also talk about:Growing up in an Italian American household on Long IslandThe surprising truth behind his family's surnameResearching Italian ancestors and tracing family recordsFinding living relatives in Calabria through social mediaThe emotional experience of visiting his ancestral villagesNavigating Italy's ever-changing citizenship lawsWhy preserving our family's stories matters for future generationsIf you've ever wondered where your family came from—or dreamed of walking the same streets your ancestors once did—this conversation is a reminder that the journey is about much more than documents. It's about connection, belonging, and bringing your family's story back to life.🇮🇹 Because every family has a story worth remembering. Italian AmericanItalian american storiesitalian american stories podcastItalian citizenshipItalian ancestryItalian dual citizenshipItalian genealogyCalabriaItalian family historySicilyItalian rootsItalian heritageFamily historyGenealogy podcastItalian immigrationItalian passportFinding family in ItalyItalian villages Stephanie Detton
