Angela Bella

Welcome to Virtual Italian Harlem! I'm a 2nd generation Italian American. My heritage is 100% Italian, from the regions of Campania and Puglia. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of immigration history and genealogy! My paternal great grandfather came "straight off the boat," from Naples,Italy to East Harlem in 1901. My familial roots called East Harlem, "Home" for over 67 years! I have a Juris Doctor degree in Law from Widener University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. As for my interests, my specialties are within the areas of Genealogical Research, New York City Urban Sociology, Photography/Digital Enhancement,Photo Restoration/Preservation,and of course,Italian Immigration History! I actively scour the web for any information or resource that I can find on our old neighborhood. Although my family left East Harlem, over 60 years ago, I will NEVER forget where I came from, and how it shaped me as a person.I am part of a “collective conscience”of former Italian East Harlemites. East Harlem rests within our hearts . We’re always ready to vividly recall a fond memory, or images of its past. The old neighborhood comes alive through our mind’s eye. For me, my old family photos, and all of the wonderful stories that I cherish, seem to magically transition into a living scene! Though long gone, my ancestors spirit and memory are alive and well in the old neighborhood. The tenement windows reflect their image, and those of all the former residents of Italian Harlem... Long live the memory and true essence of Italian East Harlem!