Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Forever proud of her Italian roots, this Arrochar resident has always had a passion for her heritage and cultural background. Over the year’s she’s manifested that loyalty through her work, her family values, and her extensive travels to the “old country.” And as a Ph.D and a professor emerita of secondary mathematics education at Queens College, she’s embodied a strong work ethic and represents the qualities and traditions associated with Italy — and her work overall. So much so, that Frances R. Curcio was moved to co-author a children’s book together with Myra Zarnowski, also a professor emerita at Queens College specializing in social studies and children’s literature — important disciplines that she applied to guide the development of the book — says Curcio. The book is titled, “The Case of Antonio Meucci and the Telephone: Just the Facts.” Curcio presented a copy of the book to Borough President Vito Fossella in his office at Borough Hall. CURCIO PRESENTS HER BOOK TO BOROUGH PRESIDENT FOSSELLA Curcio explained that the borough president is recognized in her work for spearheading House Resolution #269, affirming Meucci’s role in the development of the telephone. “This book highlights an important but little-known story, the life of Antonio Meucci and his claim to have invented the telephone,” Curcio continued. “One might wonder why this is still relevant today, but it really is. New facts and evidence can sometimes show that what we once believed to be true isn’t accurate. The authors present the facts about Antonio’s experiments and inventions and pose some questions for the readers to consider as they think about these facts. The readers can then determine their own opinion and share their newfound knowledge with others.” Curcio added that she made a stop at the St. George Branch of the New York Public Library to donate a copy of the book. THE BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK Because of her longtime love of history, Curcio, who’s a member of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, was moved to visit the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi in Italy. Garibaldi’s primary residence is on the Island of Caprera, part of the La Maddalena archipelago — a group or chain of islands clustered together — off the coast of Sardinia, where he spent the last 26 years of his life. The complex, known as the Compendio Garibaldino, has now become a museum. “Being a member of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is helping me to understand and appreciate my Italian heritage,” Curcio said in speaking of her journey. “The treasure trove of mid-to-late nineteenth century artifacts related to the friendship of Italian liberator Giuseppe Garibaldi, the ‘hero of two worlds,’ and Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, has contributed to my desire to learn more and to connect with my rich history. BOOK PRESENTATIONS Curcio said she’ll also be presenting a complimentary copy of her book to a select number of attendees at the Garibaldi-Meucci’s Museum’s 37th Annual Fundraiser Luncheon at LiGreci’s Staaten on Saturday, Nov. 8 at noon. She also noted she’ll host a book presentation at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is located at 420 Tompkins Ave. in Rosebank. Curcio’s book is available on amazon.com For additional information, contact the museum at 718 442-1608 or visit www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.com
