After the Civil War, Boston’s population increased dramatically through both matriculation as well as through immigration. By 1870, half of Boston’s 250,000 population was comprised of immigrants or the children of immigrants. There were many immigrant gr

After the Civil War, Boston’s population increased dramatically through both matriculation as well as through immigration. By 1870, half of Boston’s 250,000 population was comprised of immigrants or the children of immigrants. There were many immigrant groups, and by 1900 the North End became known as “Little Italy” due to a large population of people who traced their ancestry to Southern Italy. The neighborhood experienced many changes during this time; for example the Paul Revere House became the Banca Italiana and home of the F.A. Godutti Cigar Factory. The neighborhood continued to evolve over the years but still retains much of its Italian American heritage. In this illustrated lecture, historian Anthony Samarco will trace the Italians coming to Boston who created a thriving neighborhood in Boston.