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About Our Society

 

The Craco Society was founded in May 2007 as a non-profit organization to preserve the culture, traditions, and history of Craco, the southern Italian hill town located in the Province of Matera and the Region of Basilicata. 

In August 2007, over 50 charter members of The Craco Society gathered in Albany, New York for the first Crachesi del Nord America Reunion.  The widely dispersed base of  Society members was represented by participants that traveled from the Italian province of Matera, the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, and twelve American states.  The Reunion's agenda included the history of Basilicata and Craco, the immigrant experience, Craco in the 20th century, family history presentations, and genealogy research recommendations.  Many members shared their photographs, home movies, and family stories, as well as delicious samples of regional foods.

 

  

The first annual Crachesi del Nord America Reunion, August 10-12, 2007

 

On October 28, 2007 nearly thirty members of our Crachesi family attended a Mass at St. Joseph's Church, in New York City, in honor of our patron saint and protector, San Vincenzo.   St. Joseph's Church, as ornate and beautiful as ever, remains a most appropriate home for our beloved San Vincenzo, who it is believed was brought to America from Craco about one hundred years ago. Following the Mass, a reception was held and a walking tour was taken of the lower east side of Manhattan, visiting Baxter and Mulberry Streets, walking on the same streets as many of our ancestors did upon their arrival in America over a century ago.

 

Mass for San Vincenzo, St. Joseph's Church, New York City, October 28,2007

 

The Craco Society organized an inaugural trip to Craco from June 14 - 21, 2008.  This event marked the largest return of descendants ever, with 44 members returning to their ancestral home to learn more about their roots, reconnect with family, and establish many new family links.  The residents of Craco could not have been more accommodating and gracious in welcoming us.  The Craco Society was also officially recognized by the local government in Craco, promising continued goodwill and cooperation for generations to come!

 

The Craco Society's inaugural trip to Craco, June 14-21, 2008.

 

By almost any measure the Second Annual Cracheshi del Nord America Reunion held in New York City's Little Italy was an overwhelming success.  With 119 individuals participating in events over  three days from August 15-17, 2008 the turnout alone, which more than doubled the initial meeting held last year, was  an outstanding achievement.  Even more awe-inspiring events developed over the weekend, including the presentation of a statue of San Vincenzo to The Craco Society by Camille & Vincent Niceforo

 

 

As of February 2010, the organization has grown to 366 members.   Our enthusiastic and vibrant society is currently working on projects to meet our future goals.  These include: expanding our membership to reach the many Crachesi descendants worldwide in an attempt to share the history, culture and traditions of the town.   We are planning our next event, a group trip to Craco in June of 2010.   The Craco Society is also proud to announce the completion of the translation of Prof. Dino D'Angella's book, Note Storiche sul Comune di Craco (The History of the Town of Craco) into English, and the Society's role in helping Craco being named to the World Monument Fund's Watch List for 2010.  We will continue to work with leadership of the town to support the preservation and renovation of Craco Vecchio from the ravages of nature, obtaining historical and genealogical records and establishing even closer bonds with the residents of Craco.  We invite anyone with a special place in their heart for this ancient, historic town to join us in our mission.

 

 


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