B19: Is there an index of names of Italians who came to America on ships?

There is a new series that many of you may be interested in containing passenger list information on Italian immigrants. I am forwarding a press release for the series.

Italians to America is the first indexed work devoted to Italian immigrants to the United States. This new series, expected to include 12 volumes, contains passenger list information on the first major wave of Italian immigration, during the last two decades of the nineteenth century.

As with the highly regarded companion series on German immigrants, Italians to America presents the passenger lists in chronological order, including information on each person's age, sex, occupation, village of origin, and destination [where available on the original list-DEZ]. Each volume will also contain an introduction on the history of Italian immigration with a full name index, which will greatly simplify the researcher's job.

Over 900,000 Italians migrated to the United States between 1880 and 1899. Over 300,000 came during the 1880's, with a doubling of the rate in the following decade.

Although Italians departed almost entirely from ports in their home country, this study includes Italian departures from all foreign ports. The vast majority of Italians immigrated to New York City, so that the first eight (est.) volumes of the series will deal with arrivals in New York. Later volumes will cover other U.S. ports.

Approximately 6 volumes will be released per year [they have not been able meet this schedule]. Special 10 % discount for standing orders. Standing orders may be canceled anytime without penalty.

The volumes are also avaiable at many public and university libraries. If your library does not have the series ask about borrowing through Inter-Library Loan .