Maria Puzzanghero immigrated to the United States in 1947 from her home near Cassino, Italy. She was 20 years old and left to escape the destruction caused by bombings in World War II. As the daughter of an American citizen, she traveled on a U.S. passport and was granted citizenship through naturalization. She moved with her husband and four children to Newton, Massachusetts in November 1963. Puzzanghero recounts working as a seamstress in a Boston dress factory, learning English, and traveling in the city. She discusses some of the cultural differences between her small Italian mountain village and the Boston area. Puzzanghero was drawn to storytelling and she has written a book, called "Katja," about her family's experience in Italy aiding a Jewish family during World War II.
Interviewed by Kim Hewitt
Recorded at the Newton Free Library in Newton, MA on April 20, 2017
Newton Talks is an oral history project for the city of Newton. In 2016 we began by interviewing veterans with a connection to Newton. Since then, we have also begun interviewing immigrants living in Newton and long-term residents of the city. Going forward, we hope to include a broad range of voices in the project in order to collect, preserve, and share the stories and experiences of Newtonians of all backgrounds.
Newton Talks is made possible through the joint efforts of Historic Newton, the Newton Free Library, and the Newton Senior Center.
Find out more on our website: http://guides.newtonfreelibrary.net/newtontalks
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