Among the historic documents The Society received as gifts from the Comune di Craco were property records known as the Catasti Onciri (1830 & 1753) and the Registro Relativo alla Contribuzione Fondiaria del Comune di Craco (1807). This document, containing land records also has a unique depiction of the town and surrounding area.  It is described in the Archivo note accompanying the original document as a colorful water-color on parchment with various access roads and the Salandrella River.  Located inside the front cover of the book, this 45x68cm (18x27 in.) sketch provides additional details about the town and area of 200 years ago.  At the top is the Fume Salandrella and as you look clockwise around the edges you will see the notations for the directions to Pisticci, Montalbano, Stigliano, & Grassano, along with locations that we don’t immediately recognize today.  Significant buildings identified by name on it are;  the Fontana di S. Lorenzo, the Monastario (St Perer’s Friary that was profiled in last month's edition), the church of S. Maria Orloceto, and the chapel of the Madonna della Stella.  Not labeled but visible in the town area are the Tower, Chiesa di San Nicola, and a steeple below it that was probably the chapel of Santa Maria di Monserrato.  More information about these historic sites in Craco will be available in the English translation of the town’s history, Note Storiche sul Comune di Craco.  An enlarged, high resolution version of this map can be viewed by clicking  here or on the above image.
 

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News from Craco ~ WMF Proposal

 

Craco Ricerche, an organization that is part of the Comune di Craco, with the support of the National Research Institute and the University of Basilicata filed an application with the World Monument Fund to be included on their Watch list.  This recognition would help with under-writing a project to develop a plan to give Craco Vecchio a new but entirely different useful life. The proposal, which stems from the town’s 1996 plan for the site, aims at recovering Craco for non-residential uses along with supporting scientific and creative uses.

Dr. Pino Lacicerchia, in his role as the head of Craco Ricerche, drafted the proposal which lays out the three components of the plan that include;

 Parco Museo—making Craco Vecchio accessible to tourists for scenic and cultural purposes including the creation of a visitors’ center dedicated to Fr. Niccolo Onorati.
 Science Center—in combination with the Italian Space Administration and the University of Basilicata a center of excellence for studying landslides would be sited in the area.
 Arts Center–providing facilities for film and other creative arts that take advantage of Craco’s location, history, and scenery.

 

 

This exciting proposal takes a creative approach to preserving Craco Vecchio recognizing both its unique cultural history and geological situation.  For example, inside the Parco Museo historically and culturally significant buildings will be recovered and preserved and made accessible with a safe route for visitors to follow.  Within this area would also be space for artisans and film producers.  Meanwhile, the international science center will focus on using technology to conduct research, experimentation and study of landslides, an unfortunate but natural part of the Craco landscape.
The benefits to Craco with the implementation of this proposal are considerable and would take several years to develop providing the current inhabitants with considerable opportunities while they preserve their past and build a future.
Adding credibility to the application is the contribution of the stakeholders to the proposal. Besides the support of the town and other Italian authorities several eminent individuals with track records in rehabilitating WMF sites or possessing international scientific expertise were identified as contributors to this plan.
The WMF Watch, which is announced every two years, would include Craco for 2010 if the proposal is accepted.  In the meantime, this May the scientific component of the proposal will be discussed at a symposium at Civita di Bagnoregio.  The proposal also suggests the possibility of a special October workshop in New York to coincide with the Society’s planned Reunion.  This is dependant on the status of the proposal with the WMF announcing the results of the selection process in October.
The Society which was also identified as a stakeholder sent messages of our full support for the proposal to the WMF. This concept embodies the hopes for the preservation of the town that were expressed at our initial meeting.  With our support are also our greatest hopes and best wishes that the WMF will add Craco to the World Monuments Watch for 2010.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to return to Craco in 2010 to celebrate the WMF recognition of the town on the Watch with our cousins there?

 

 

 

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Italian  Genealogical Group

 

The Italian Genealogical Group recognized Joe Rinaldi of Rhinebeck, NY a Society Vice President for his commitment to researching his family history.  The article also highlighted The Craco Society and Joe’s role in creating it along with our history.  Hopefully, Joe’s story will reach others with a Crachese connection and make them aware of us and our mission.  A copy of the article can be seen by clicking here.
The Italian Genealogical Group is based in Bethpage, NY but has chapters throughout the metropolitan area.  Their website (www.italiangen.org) is an unmatched resource for on-line information.  They have searchable databases for New York Vital Records and Naturalizations.  There is also a surname and communes of Italy database that enables individuals to locate others who may be researching a town or family name.

 

 

 

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A New Documentary

Italian film director Emanuele Tammaro has just informed The Society that he received funding for a new documentary film project that uses the story of Craco to explore the nature of the Lucania character.
In an extensive project abstract that he shared with the Board of Directors the director outlines his storyline and shooting schedule which includes a segment at the October Reunion.
This well thought out plan shows the extensive research Mr. Tammaro put into learning the history of Craco and the region coupled with his understanding of the cinematic history of the town.  He couples this with the nature and characteristics of the people from the region to create his image of the message that the final version will convey.
The Board of Directors agreed to support this new effort to capture the story of Craco.  Initially we will provide material from the Society’s photographic and video archives for background material in the project.  The Society is also facilitating contacts to individuals who may be able to assist the project along with planning for the October filming session in New York.

 

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Good Friday – always commemorates the death of Jesus by the processione.  Starts as two separate processions – one led by a statue of Jesus, the other of Mary; the two processions would join in the piazza as a symbol of Jesus meeting his mother as he carried the cross to his death.  Click here to view (and sing) the Cracotan Good Friday chants that are sung during the Good Friday Procession.

 

Easter Sunday: customary to eat hard boiled eggs and soppressata for antipasto, capretto or agnello will be served,  always followed by a cake dolce.

 

Children will kiss the hands of the elders – elders will give hard boiled eggs or money to children.

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