La Befana Program for Kids and Scouts Offered at Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

On Friday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m., in honor of the Feast of the Epiphany, Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Education Director Janet Grillo will present "La Befana." Ms. Grillo will explain and explore this Italian folklore tradition celebrating the witch who arrives on her broomstick during the night of January 5, filling the stockings of good children with sweets, while leaving lumps of coal for the bad children.

According to legend, an old woman-La Befana-was approached by the Three Wise Men, who asked her for directions to where the baby Jesus had been born. Though she did not know, she gave shelter to the Men for the night. In the morning they invited her to accompany them in their quest but she declined, stating she was too busy with housework. Later she changed her mind, and, with gifts of baked goods and a broom to help the new mother clean, she sought the Infant herself. After all these centuries she still hasn't found him, so she continues, on the eve of Epiphany, bringing gifts to all children.

Geared toward school children and scouting groups, the program, offered in the Staten Island historic Italian landmark Garibaldi-Meucci Museum building, will include storytelling, a video presentation and a "make and take" craft. Space is limited so you must RSVP by e-mail to grillo.janet@gmail.com by January 3. Admission of $5 includes a light reception.

For more information, visit www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org or call 718-442-1608. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and administered 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, but 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; the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation, and by grants allocated by New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.