On April 2926, Michael came to Padula to discover his grandparents’ hometown. This is his story…
If you are searching for people who can bring your family history to life, look no further than Michele Cartusciello of the Museo del Cognome in Padula and his wonderful assistant, Francesca. What they offer is far more than research—it is connection, memory, and meaning.
The Ancestors Tour they crafted for my cousin and me felt like stepping into the pages of our own story. They guided us through the streets where our family lived, worked, and prayed, turning old records into real places and real lives.
Michele also helped me find the granddaughter of my grandparents’ first child, who had been searching for our shared roots on her own. She joined us on the tour, making the day even more powerful. And then came the greatest surprise of all: Michele located cousins who still live in Padula today.
These moments were unexpected gifts—deeply personal, profoundly moving—and I am forever grateful to Michele and Francesca for making them possible.