This family history documents what is known about the origin and lives of three distinct southern Italian families - the Altieri family, the Quaresima family, and the Freda family. The family stories are presented in three distinct parts, but they are inexorably intertwined. The purpose of the narration is to document for posterity the origin of each family in Italy and to trace their lives in America during the 20th century and into the early 21st century; to bring them back to life, albeit only momentarily; and to depict their fundamental character and outlook on life as Italian immigrants to America.