…from the Islands: From the Aeolian Islands to Oswego, NY 1880-1920

A group of tiny volcanic islands sit north of Sicily. They are a part of Sicily, unknown to most. Between 1880 and 1920, these Aeolian Islands sent a large number of immigrants to New York State. They fled poverty, crop failures, high taxes, and the draft. These Eoliani set down roots, bringing traditions and becoming Americans. This is the story of those people who settled on the edge of Lake Ontario in the booming little city of Oswego, New York.