A grand heirloom in my family is my great grandpa’s violin. This wooden violin from Italy was very precious to my great grandpa because it was one of the few things he could bring with him when he immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. The reason I decided to share the story of this violin to people is because not only did I want to learn about my great grandpa’s immigrant story, but I also wanted others to. Music has always been my second language. My dad is a jazz musician, teaches band at James Madison High School, and also plays the violin.  Now I know music has been important to my family, and culture, for many generations.I have talked about the importance of music in my family, but one of the reasons it is so important to me is because I am being raised with it. I remember being about four years old and having dance parties to Herbie Hancock songs, and loving it. I don’t know if I’ll ever figure out why it was so important to my family generations ago, but I am thankful for what I do know so I can figure out what my family was like before me.  

– AD

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more