Alfred Crudale knew Rhode Island had strong Italian roots and produced several Italian newspapers throughout the state. However, he did not realize that number exceeded his expectations until he started conducting extensive research at the Rhode Island Historical Library in Providence for his book “The Voices of Italy: Italian Newspapers and Radio Programs in Rhode Island.” An Italian teacher of 37 years, Crudale is enthusiastic about preserving a small portion of Italian-American culture in the Ocean State.

The adventure of publishing a book began during the 2017 “Listening to the Soundscapes of Italianita,” conference at the John D. Calandra Institute in New York City when Crudale presented a paper on this topic, which was well received. One individual suggested Crudale turn the paper into a book to which, at the time, Crudale said he did not think he had enough material. As he thought more about the idea, he realized his paper could be expanded.