Gerard Zanfini and Michael D. Immerso First Ward Italian Collection

by Newark Archives Project (http://nap.rutgers.edu)

The boxes consist of research files and original materials used in the preparation of three related projects, all based on the research and collecting efforts of Michael Immerso: the exhibit, "The Vanished First Ward: Newark's Little Italy," held at the Newark Public Library, November 13-December 31. 1996; a PBS documentary on the subject, narrated by Steve Adubato (1997); and Immerso's book, "Newark's Little Italy: The Vanished First Ward," co-published by Rutgers University Press and the Newark Public Library in 1997. The title "Zanfini-Immerso ... Collection" honors Michael Immerso's uncle, Gerard Zanfini, whose stories and passion for local history inspired Immerso to undertake his research.

The volumes contain copies of photographs collected by Michael M. Immerso in the course of research for his book, "Newark's Little Italy: The Vanished First Ward," co-published by Rutgers University Press and the Newark Public Library in 1997. The title "Zanfini-Immerso ... Collection" honors Michael Immerso's uncle, Gerard Zanfini, whose stories and passion for local history inspired Immerso to undertake his research.

Many of these photographs were featured in the exhibition "The Vanished First Ward: Newark's Little Italy," held at the Newark Public Library, November 13-December 31, 1996. The eight binders that make up the collection contain approximately 500 images (mostly black and white copy prints made from originals in various private collections). An inventory list is at the beginning of each volume and has been uploaded to the relevant ArchivesSpace file. Individuals, establishments, and events in the photographs are usually identified by name, date, and address if applicable in the index, and captions often include a brief commentary. For example, the caption accompanying photo # 11 in volume 1 reads, "Portrait of Angelo M. Mattia who arrived in Newark in 1873 and is believed to be the first Italian to settle in what eventually became the First Ward Colony." The person who provided the photograph is also identified.