Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Celebrates the Immigrant Experience 4/17

This year marks the 350th anniversary of European settlement on Staten Island. Throughout the year Islanders are celebrating with a series of events that focus on a different aspect of Staten Island's heritage each month. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum's Terza Domenica event on April 17 at 1 p.m., will reflect April's theme of "Ethnicity and Immigration." Special guest Dominic Pulera, author of "Green, White and Red: The Italian-American Success Story," will discuss the Italian-American experience over the last 100 years. He will share powerful stories, anecdotes, examples, and statistics that illustrate the innumerable ways Italian immigrants and their descendants have contributed to life in America. His program affirms the value of immigration, celebrates the American Dream, and offers a hopeful message for the future. Seating is limited. Admission of $10 for non-members and $5 for members includes a light reception. Books will be available for sale, and Mr. Pulera will be on hand to personally autograph them.

Immediately following Pulera's presentation the museum will open a new photo exhibit, "Snapshots: "One Island, Many Stories," in its gallery. The exhibit will present "snapshots" of the everyday lives lived by several Staten Island immigrant families, and some very interesting stories of how these people have contributed to the culture of our island in unexpected ways. Those attending the Terza Domenica program are invited to preview the show, and the doors will be open to the public at 3:30 p.m. for those who only want to view the exhibition and attend the free opening reception.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, however the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation; Coccia Foundation; JP Morgan Chase Regrant in partnership with the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI) and by grants allocated by New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.