The Path to 319 Memory Lane

As the creator and curator at 319 Memory Lane, I have dedicated 25 years to evoking deep emotions through audio. Looking back at a transformative period in my career, the spark for this type of audio art came from countless hours in children's hospitals recording the voices and stories of young patients. The audio captured not only shared their experiences but also served to raise funds for hospitals and homecare, creating a truly powerful impact.

A few years ago, fate intervened when I became involved in a project with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, which was focused on building an audio archive. Interestingly, this connection was rooted not in my own experiences, but in my grandmother’s journey as an Italian immigrant who came through Ellis Island. This intertwining of personal histories and audio storytelling continues to inspire my work and deepen my commitment to preserving and sharing these vital narratives.

My grandmother stands out as an Italian immigrant who journeyed through Ellis Island in the 1920s. With the foundation reaching out to individuals named in old ship manifests, we shared that she was not only alive but eager to share her rich life experiences. Her stories became the focal point of an invaluable audio collection, leading to the establishment of 319 Memory Lane—a tribute inspired by her birthday on March 19. This magical address symbolizes her enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on preserving the immigrant narrative.

- Michael