During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Italians immigrated to the United States. Marco and Lucia Rossi were among the young Italians considering joining this human mass. The couple hailed from the village of Pietropertosa in the northern mountains of Italy’s southern region “La Basilicata.” Marco was a muscular and strong young farmer, while Lucia, his wife, was a pretty, slender young lady. Their son, Nicolo, was a bright, energetic little boy.

Marco and Lucia dreamed of a better life, free from economic hardships. They felt a deep sense of both excitement and sadness. While the promise of new opportunities in America filled them with hope, the thought of leaving behind their family, friends, and familiar surroundings weighed heavily on their hearts.