It was a grand, glorious, rain-free April day at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum on Staten Island. Saturday, the 18th of April, five days after Antonio Meucci’s 218th birthday, was specially selected for the unveiling of the newly approved street renaming signs honoring Antonio Meucci and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, on Staten Island, New York, the Museum is the historic home of inventor, Antonio Meucci (1808-1889) and was the temporary home of the legendary international Italian hero, General Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882). The simple country residence was built circa 1840 in the Gothic revival style.
Some Background about the Museum
The Museum is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been owned by the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) since 1919. The SIF is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the oldest and largest organization for men and women of Italian Heritage in the United States.
The Street Co-namings
In March 2025, Museum administrator Stephanie Lundegard suggested that Tompkins Avenue needs to be co-named Antonio Meucci Way. In the past there was “talk” about doing this, but no one moved on it. I agreed to help out. Hearing about this project, Comm. Joseph Sciame suggested including a proposal to co-name Chestnut Avenue, Giuseppe Garibaldi Way. So, I wrote a second proposal. Since the Museum is in New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks’s district, I started the project by contacting the Councilmember’s office. Thomas Pagliucca, the Councilmember’s constituent service coordinator, provided guidance and advice for preparing and submitting the proposals.
The April proposal deadline was met, and in June 2025, the NYC Council announced the approval of the street co-naming proposals. Plans were made for the event scheduled for 18 April. Invitations were sent out in January. More than 170 people arrived for the unveiling. The event began with the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Italian National Anthem, Il Canto degli Italiani (also known as Fratelli d'Italia), led by Antonio Guarna, who also entertained during the festivities.
Councilmember Hanks, Comm. Joseph Sciame and Marianne Bortone Prince presided at the event. The Invocation was delivered by Rev. Wesbee Victor, Parish of St. Joseph & St. Mary Immaculate R.C. Church. District Attorney Michael F. McMahon delivered remarks about the importance of recognizing the contributions of Meucci and Garibaldi not only to Staten Island, but also to the rest of the world. Representatives from OSDIA lodges delivered congratulatory remarks. Vincent Argenziano represented Public Administrator, Comm. Edwina Frances Martin, Esq., who presented a citation. Gov. Hochul was represented by Francesca Gallelli. Borough President Vito Fossella was represented by Peter Trivelas.
OSDIA National Overseers Carol and Angelo Rossi arranged for a bus to transport OSDIA members from Massachusetts and Connecticut. Other OSDIA members traveled from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and Upstate New York, joined Staten Islanders in the celebration.
Distinguished members of the Italian American community delivered remarks about the significance of recognizing the contributions of Meucci and Garibaldi. Giving credit to what we all do to strengthen the ties between the United States and Italy, Consul General of Italy in New York, Hon. Giuseppe Pastorelli stated that “The cultural goal of what we do here is to bring Italy and the United States closer, serving the community, cherishing our heritage and common values, and promoting Italy.”
Announcing the advent of the Italian American Museum in Manhattan, Dr. Joseph V Scelsa, President and Founder, recognized the street co-naming as “an honor and an historic moment for the Italian American community. This Museum, along with the Italian American Museum, traces contributions, achievements, and struggles of Italians in America.”
Although the President of the OSDIA Grand Lodge of New York, Arthur Spera, was unable to attend, Luigi Squillante, First Vice President, delivered greetings and congratulations on his behalf.
It was a great honor to have the OSDIA National President, Comm. Thomas A. Lupo, present to deliver the closing remarks, emphasizing the Order’s support for this treasure—a National Historic Landmark!
The Museum welcomes visitors Thursday-Saturday, from 1-4 PM. Take a step back in history to be in the first house that had a telephone! Call to make an appointment to take a tour, 718-442-1608.
