Oral and Photographic History Project

In the early 2000s, the Italians of Montclair Oral and Photographic History Project provided digitization for photographs, documents, and personal artifacts of Italians and Italian Americans in Montclair, with the mission to uncover, record, and preserve the precious traces of the Italian American community in Montclair from the late 19th century through the early 21st century.

Researchers from Montclair State University met with seniors from the local Italian American community to share the project’s vision. Participants in these early meetings brought some photos and artifacts that became the first materials digitized by the project.

The gallery below includes foundational documents of the project, including the interview guide and recruitment materials.

The project digitized hundreds of documents, photographs, and objects, which can be viewed by visiting the Family Collection tag, and conducted over 50 oral history interviews with Italian American Montclair residents. The gallery below pictures participants in the project.

Schools

This collection, gathered from community members with significant contributions from the Pondisco family, offers a glimpse into the local educational experience of Italian American children in Montclair. A large portion of the collection centers around Glenfield School, which was primarily attended by Black and Italian students. The materials provide insight into the experiences of these communities within the school system, shedding light on the cultural dynamics and the stories of students who were educated in Montclair.

Press Coverage

The significance of Italian Americans in Montclair has been recognized by coverage in the local, state, and national press. The articles collected here include historical and contemporary news and academic articles on Italian communities, histories, and the Italians of Montclair project, as well as obituaries of prominent Italian Americans.

“Coming to Newark Archdiocese: A Different Kind of Cardinal,” by Sharon Otterman (The New York Times, 2016)

“Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante: Four Seasons Resort Maui's al fresco experience on dining bluff above Wailea Beach unparalleled,” by Carla Tracy (The Maui News, 2017)

“Strikers Fell Policeman: Mortally Wound Patrolman in Montclair, N.J.” (New York Times, 1912)

“January Program - Luisa LoCascio Matarazzo” (Il Giornale, 2018)

“Doing Community Research: Italians of Montclair,” by Marisa Trubiano (Institute for Community Studies, 2003)

“A Voice All Her Own” (Parsippany Monthly)

“La Memoria Italiana di Montclair,” by Donatella Codonesu

“A Life That's Spanned Three Centuries,” by Jennifer Blenner

“Italian Story,” by Elizabeth S. Ludas (The Montclair Times, 2004)

Filomena Bianco Obituary

Rita Levi Obituary

Carmela Pal DiGeronimo Obituary

“Italian American and African American Encounters in the City and in the Suburb,” by Nancy C. Carnevale (Journal of Urban History, 2014)

Hillside High School Baseball (The Montclair Times, June 2, 1960)

Recreation Outing (The Montclair Times)

“Dedicating Service Flag in Glenridge Avenue” (The Montclair Times, 1943)

“Heroes and Pal They Rescued from Brook” (Newark Evening News)

Rose and Paul Cardone lottery win

Typical Italian Scene Part of Montclair Times Folk Festival (The Montclair Times)

“The Clubwoman”

“From the Archives” by Elise Magistro and Ruth Kunstadter

“Retired Cobbler Dan Zazzaro”