Garibaldi-Meucci House

Antonio Meucci, who lost a battle with Alexander Graham Bell for a telephone patent, led a very reasonable life with his wife on Staten Island during the mid-1800s. However, that would change when Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian revolutionary, lived with them for a few years during the 1850s in their home. Meucci, who invented the telephone so his ill wife could call him for help, offered refuge to Garibaldi, who had fled his native Italy. While living on Staten Island, the two men collaborated on several business ventures, including candle-making and beer brewing. Garibaldi turned down a commission in the Union Army from President Lincoln and eventually returned to lead his “Red Shirts” in the liberation and unification of Italy. Located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, a few blocks from hectic Bay Street in a quiet section of Rose Bank, the Sons of Italy have preserved their home and is open to the public as a museum and memorial to both men.