Garibaldi-Meucci Museum facts for kids
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Garibaldi Memorial
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 420 Tompkins Avenue Staten Island, New York |
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| Built | c. 1840 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002758 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 17, 1980 |
The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is a special historic house in Rosebank, Staten Island, New York. It was built around 1840 and looks like a charming old cottage. This house is famous because two important people once lived there: Antonio Meucci, an inventor, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, a famous Italian leader. Today, it celebrates Italian-American history and culture.
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Discover the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum
The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was once known as the Garibaldi Memorial. It is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. The museum helps us remember the lives and contributions of two amazing men.
Who Lived in This Historic House?
- Antonio Meucci (1808–1889) was an inventor and candle maker. He lived in this house for many years. He is known for his work on the telephone.
- Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882) was a very important Italian revolutionary. He stayed in Meucci's home from 1851 to 1853. Garibaldi helped unite Italy, and he is known as one of Italy's "Fathers of the Fatherland."
History of the Museum
In 1884, a special plaque was placed on the house. It honored Garibaldi's stay, and Antonio Meucci was there for the event. The house was moved from its first spot in 1907. It was placed inside a large memorial with columns, which was later taken down. This memorial was dedicated to celebrate Garibaldi's 100th birthday.
A memorial for Meucci was added to the front yard in 1923. In 1956, the house officially opened as the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. Its goal is to celebrate Italian-American heritage and culture. It also honors the lives of Giuseppe Garibaldi and Antonio Meucci. The museum is owned by the National Order Sons of Italy Foundation. It is managed by the New York Grand Lodge Order Sons of Italy in America.
Recent Renovations
The museum underwent a big restoration. It was rededicated in a ceremony on July 11, 2009. Important people attended, including museum president John Dabbene. Salvatore Lanzilotta, president of the New York State Order of the Sons of Italy in America, was also there. U.S. Congressional Representative Michael McMahon also took part in the event.
The site was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
See also
- Casa Belvedere, another landmark in Staten Island related to the Italian-American experience.
- List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Staten Island
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Richmond County, New York
