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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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