Mercaldo Reads 'Seamstress' at Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, 9/18

On Sunday, September 18 at 1 p.m., the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Terza Domenica Heritage Series will present a reading and booksigning by author, educator and playwright David Mercaldo, Ph.D., of his book "Seamstress."

Mercaldo's second novel tells the heart-warming story of Santina Fortunato, a seamstress in New York's garment district, and traces her friendships with four other women over fifty years. It is the story of Italians-the predictable and unpredictable happenings that make up their lives-and an unforgettable book about the meaning of life and love, and family and friends.

A forty-year veteran teacher, Mercaldo has been the guest of schools, civic organizations, colleges and business organizations nationwide. He was presented with the Westinghouse Award for excellence in teaching and the Outstanding Young Men in America, as well as a special citation from the New York State Assembly.

Mercaldo will be reading excerpts and sharing the route that brought the stories to life in his regional bestseller. Books will be available for sale and can be personally autographed by the author. Admission of $10 for non-members and $5 for members includes a light reception.

For more information, call 718-442-1608 or e-mail info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org. 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, 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.