I love the show called "Who Do You Think You Are". I was especially touched by the episode featuring actress, Susan Sarandon, because her roots began in the 1600s in Tuscany, Italy. Watching her go to Italy made me want to go to Collendanchise, Campobosso, Italy all the more.
Early 1950's: my father, Jack, in his Air Force uniform and in the 60s, my bio-mother, Eleanor.
Maternal aunt, Lorelei Antoinette Szafran Gleason
This is my maternal grandmother,
Lydia Arlene Bernard Christina
Great step-Grandfather Dominic & Great Grandmother Anna Bernard
Florida (probably in the 40's)
Another shot of Grandmother Bernard
Above is the only known 4 generation photo on the maternal side of my family. Aunt Lori is holding her baby, Cheryl; Seated is Great Grandma Bernard and standing is Grandma Christina.
This is Giovanni Bernardo, my real great grandfather. Once he immigrated to the USA from Italy, he went by the name "John Bernard". They say this guy was a real mean piece of work! He's also the brother of Dominic! Giovanni Bernardo was born sometime in 1886. His last residence was Collendanchise, Campobosso, Italy. He left Italy from the port of Naples at the age of 21 and arrived in the US on 12-07-1907 aboard the ship Re 'd Italia.
ANCESTORAL HISTORY
My great-grandmother was born on January 27th in 1889 in San Pietro, Guarano, 
Cosenza, Italy. She came to the USA from Cosenza to Ellis Island when she was 24. Her name was Anna Panza but Customs spelled it "Pansa". She left Italy from the port of Naples and she arrived at Ellis Island on April 1, 1913. The name of the ship was The Stampalia. (shown left)
Below is a partial graphic of the actual ship's manifest. I've reprinted what the lines actually say. Immigrants from the steerage (not 1st or 2nd class) were actually asked 29 questions but I cannot yet locate 
that questionnaire. You can click on this pic and see where my great-grandmother was "checked in" at Ellis Island. Anna first settled in Stubenville, Ohio and that's where my grandmother, Lydia Arlene, was born.
As for my step-great-grandfather, Dominico Bernardo (Dominic Bernard), he was born in Feb., 1890. His last residence was Collendanchise, Campobosso, Italy. He left Italy from the port of Naples at the age of 17 and arrived in the US on 1-31-1907 aboard the ship Konigin Luise, Manifest Line Number 0012. He died on 4/13/61 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, CA and was entombed at Bellevue Mausoleum, Ontario, California, where my great grandmother Bernard is also entombed.
*Here are a couple very interesting articles that describe
the real immigration scenario:
brownvboard.org/brwnqurt/04-1/04-1a.htm
http://www.ohranger.com/ellis-island/immigration-journey
Thanks to my cousin, Cheryl, for the following pix!
The back of this photo says "Sis, Bud, Lena & Bernardo girls"
The 1st child is Audrey & the 3rd child is Eleanor, the 5th child is Lorelei.
The kids are all holding their Easter Baskets.
This is Great Grandma Bernardo & Step-Grandpa Bernardo
with Audrey, Lorelei & Eleanor. Wow, it's like looking at
a photo of myself at that age! This was taken at a house in
Sharpsburg, PA which I visited when Aunt Lori took me on a tour.
This photo was taken at St. Anthony's Orphanage, Oakmont, PA
where my bio-mother & her 2 sisters were raised.
Far right is their mother, my grandmother, Lydia Arlene.
The child is Aunt Lori (Lorelei) and she was in the 8th grade.
This is the ONLY photo I've ever seen of my
great grandmother Bernardo SMILING!
Lucy Kate & her water wings
My son, Charles, always the comedian; even Lucy Kate knows "he just ain't right"..LOL!
Bryant is fearless; here he is going down a huge slide
My son, Charles, always the comedian; even Lucy Kate knows "he just ain't right"..LOL!
Bryant is fearless; here he is going down a huge slide
Baby Emma's first trip to church with mommy & daddy
Bryant literally floated like this for nearly an hour! He was like an old man on a cruise or something! LOL!
Here's Uncle Bobby taking the twins for a spin in their covered wagon.
Yep, it's a guy thing.....
Bobby & Lucy Kate after church
Bobby, baby Emma, and Charles after Emma's first trip to church
