The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

The Garibaldi Meucci Museum (GMM) is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 SIF is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. View IRS charitable designation. The GMM is administered by the Grand Lodge of New York, OSDIA®.
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The Story of the House

In the heart of Rosebank is the historic home of the inventor, Antonio Meucci and the legendary international hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi. The simple country residence was built circa 1840 in the Gothic revival style. In 1850, Meucci and his wife Ester learned of its availability and soon after began renting it. Shortly thereafter, Garibaldi arrived in New York seeking refuge. Meucci offered him the hospitality of his home and together they worked in his candle factory. Later, in 1854, Garibaldi returned to Italy leading military forces that would provide for the unification of Italy and would win him worldwide fame.

When Garibaldi died in 1882, a committee formed to commemorate the hero’s stay on these shores. In 1884, Meucci was on hand when a plaque was placed over the front door of the house. After Meucci’s death, the house was turned over to the Italian Community to be preserved as a memorial to Garibaldi.

In 1907, on the centennial of the hero’s birth, the house was moved to its present location, and here a pantheon was erected over it. In 1919, the Garibaldi Society turned the house over to the Order Sons of Italy in America. The Order has restored and maintained the house ever since. With the assistance of the cultural department of the Italian Embassy, artifacts were collected from around the world. In May of 1956, the house was opened to the public and rededicated as The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. Today, the museum is a National Landmark owned and operated by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.