Conversations with Pierette Simpson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierette Simpson.

Hi Pierette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1956, Piera Domenica Simpson (nee Burzio) and her grandparents left their village of Pranzalito, near Torino, Italy, to begin a new life in America. They made their journey on the last voyage of the ill-fated liner, Andrea Doria.

Pierette’s story is that of family love, immigration, survival, prejudice, loss, and reinventing oneself. It all began in Italy as nine-year-old Piera was emigrating with her grandparents to Detroit to “meet” her mother for the first time. (Her mother had emigrated when Piera was only 15 months old.) The young girl endured the separation from her Italian friends and family, only to lose all the family possessions, and became one of the youngest survivors of the “most catastrophic sea collision in peacetime history,” the Andrea Doria-Stockholm shipwreck.

Pierette attended Wayne State University, followed by graduate work in France and Michigan State University. She pursued her love of foreign languages as a teacher of French and Spanish in the Farmington Public Schools and later Detroit Country Day Schools. After 37 years of teaching, Pierette dedicated her life to researching the Andrea Doria shipwreck and locating other survivors. Unexpectedly, she discovered that the fault of the collision had been unjustly placed on the Italian captain, crew, and shipbuilders. “When this was explained to me by naval experts, I felt compelled to vindicate my people. I realized the blame had been based on prejudice toward my fellow Italians! I instinctively knew that I needed to alter my career course—and postpone my forthcoming retirement.”

With her chronicle, “Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History”, Pierette became the first woman to publish an all-inclusive book about one’s shipwreck, recounting both the human and scientist aspects of the Andrea Doria-Stockholm collision and sinking of the Italian luxury liner. In Italy, Sperling & Kupfer has published her book as “L’ultima notte dell’Andrea Doria”. In 2012, Pierette released a young adult novel to inspire awareness in marine forensic science: “I Was Shipwrecked on the Andrea Doria! The Titanic of the 1950s.”

“I began my authoring journey in 2003, all while learning how to use a computer, write non-fiction, and learning the concepts of naval architecture in both English and Italian. I took some trips to Italy to speak with other survivors, nautical experts, deck officers, and mechanics in engine room. Later, I taught myself public speaking skills to share my message with audiences of every size.”

In 2015, Pierette’s focus then turned to writing and producing a docufilm based on her publications: “Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved?” has been screened at film festivals in the U.S., Italy, and Canada, where it won two dozen film awards including “Best Feature Documentary,” “Best Director” along with 4 other director awards, and one producer recognition. It was aired on Detroit Public Television (PBS).

“My current dream is to have a feature film or TV mini-series produced to reach wider audiences with the “Truth” revolving around the once mysterious collision that is now real history. It would also teach about the ugliness of prejudice.” In January of 2017, director Luca Guardabascio of Rome submitted a screenplay written in collaboration with Pierette to the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities (MIBACT), who chose to endorse a feature film project due to its “national and cultural value.” The screenplay came #4 out of nearly 500 entries.

On June 2, 2023, during the Celebration of the Italian Republic in Detroit, the Italian government recognized Pierette’s dedication to her native land by bestowing her a Knighthood Award: Cavaliere del Ordine della Stella d’Italia. “Being recognized by Italy’s president was a clear message that sometimes deep tragedy can surface to benefit humanity.”

“While I stared into the Atlantic on July 26, I could not have imagined that my survival would become my raison d’etre. I thank my captain, Captain Piero Calamai, for his courage and competence. Above all, I thank my grandparents for making the ultimate sacrifice, uprooting themselves from the life they had ever known to bring me to America.”

Related Endeavors and Career Paths:

Gatekeeper of Andrea Doria survivors, their stories, and organizer of important anniversaries and events

Collaborates with authors, divers, and nautical experts of the Andrea Doria

Interviewed nationally and internationally on radio, TV, and podcasts (Featured on “CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood”)

Writes articles for various publications (I would leave this out because I’m not doing this right now.)

Professional speaker in both the U.S. and Italy

 

Pierette’s passion for her heritage is the reason for her annual trips to Italy. Her family resides in both Genoa (Genova) and Turin (Torino), the latter which inspired her to initiate a photographic project between her two cities: Detroit and Turin. “Project DeTur” was launched in 2014 in both cities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVgvRRgGYLg

Pierette can be found on two Facebook pages: Pierette Domenica Simpson and Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved? The Movie

Recognitions/Awards:

Received Knighthood Award from the Italian Government on June 2, 2023: Cavalierato dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia

presented to her by the Consul of Italy in Detroit, Allegra Paola Baistrocchi

Pinned with the flag of Genova by its mayor, Marco Bucci, October 2023.

Received a silver medal from the from the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament 10-23

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hannan Foundation of Michigan as “Lifetime Learner” for people in their 70+ who continue to have an impact on society (2022)

“Best Direction” (2021) and “Best Feature Film” (2015) from the Asti International Film Festival and the Salerno International Film Festival, respectively.

Bell Ringer for the Columbus Day Parade 2019, Manhattan https://www.orderisda.org/culture/columbus-day-2019/andrea-doria-survivor-rings-recovered-brass-bell-at-columbus-day-parade/

Citation from Naussau County of New York for “Exemplary Service to the Community on behalf of the causes and ideals which uphold the principles of human decency and brotherhood, and thru the years you have demonstrated a selfless commitment to the community that warrants attention and gratitude.”

Certificate from State of New York Comptroller for “Outstanding Achievements”

Proclamation from the Columbus Day Celebration Committee of the Italian American Cultural Society (Macomb, Michigan) presented at the state capitol in Lansing.

“Special Tribute” from the State of Michigan for contributions to history and art presented by State Representative (MI) Anthony Forlini (2016) and by Sen. Peter Lucido (2019)

“Piemontese Protagonista” leadership award from the Piemonte:

“Honorary Citizen” recognition from the communities of birth: San Martino Canavese

“The Collegian Award” from Wayne State University (for outstanding academic work in the community)

“Special Mention” from the Salerno Film Festival for excellence in film production

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been extremely challenging but rewarding. I did not know how to do interviews or do technical research on a new topic—marine forensics, nor write and produce a docufilm (documentary. I had to learn a lot more Italian for all of this, especially since my director and editor were in Rome. And several survivors were in Italy. I was on a mission to correct a historical wrong against my people, so I had to learn many skills to be able to leave my legacy.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you are currently doing?
I like doing podcast interviews, publishing a newsletter about my work, and I love staying connected with my family and friends in Italy. I also enjoy being out and about after 20 years of working on my legacy, often on the computer.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love traveling to Italy, and I’m happy when I’m in my homeland. Hopefully, I will travel to many places when I completely retire.

I would be very happy if the Italian government would give grant me my Italian citizenship. I’ve worked very hard for years to get it back after I lost it when I became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

I also believe in giving back to society in a humanitarian way. Some of my passions are animals, travel, the environment, classical music and jazz, and the Arts in general.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pierette.simpson

Image Credits
Richard Haskin