Wilmington Through Italian Eyes

by Giuseppe D'Incà

During a visit to Wilmington with members of an official delegation from Olevano sul Tusciano, Italy, photographer Giuseppe D'Incà compiled a portfolio of photographs to acquaint the citizens of Olevano with Wilmington, Delaware.

The rapport between the two cities exists because hundreds of Olevanesi emigrated to Wilmington during the first years of the 20th century with the intention of improving their lot in life and returning home to Italy. Most, however, did not go back.

Several generations have passed, and the desire to re-establish a connection between the two cities resulted in the establishment of a Sister City affiliation between Olevano and Wilmington.

This photographic essay marked the first step toward creating this bond. Through his book, Giuseppe D'Incà has brought into focus these two worlds, united through common origins and traditions. His images of Wilmington, skillfully observed, capture the sights of our city as it goes about its daily business; and a section dedicated to St. Anthony's Italian Festival is photographed in lively and colorful detail.

Narrative passages include The First City of the First State by Constance J. Cooper, describing the growth of Wilmington from its settlement by the Swedes to its present day status as a growing metropolis surrounded by a large suburban area. Phil Maggitti traces the history of Wilmington's Italian colony and its contribution to the city in A View from the Hill; and Marjorie McNinch visits Wilmington's most popular summer event in St. Anthony's Italian Festival. In A New World City with Old World Roots, the history, art, and architecture of Olevano, Wilmington's Sister City, are explored.

Through his images, Giuseppe D'Incà has brought Wilmington to the people of Olevano; and, in so doing, has created a work of historical and artistic reference for future generations of these sister cities.

2005 hard cover, 8 ½" x 11", 113 pages, color & black and white photos
ISBN 978-1-892142-26-9

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