Ralph G. Giordano to Present THOMAS JEFFERSON ARCHITECTURAL PAISAN at Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, 4/21

On Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m., author and architect Ralph G. Giordano will present "Thomas Jefferson Architectural Paisan," at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum.

In contrast to his enormous political influence, Thomas Jefferson's vast cultural contributions, especially in American architecture, remain relatively unknown to mainstream Americans. Among architectural professionals, however, he is immediately recognized as one of the most influential architects of all time. His most notable works at the Virginia State Capitol, the educational complex at the University of Virginia, his retreat at Poplar Forest, and his own home at Monticello remain monumental in the field of American architecture, society, and culture. Many of Jefferson's achievements in architecture, however, owe a huge debt to Italian culture, especially the influence of the great Renaissance Italian architect Andrea Palladio.

Mr. Giordano will explore Jefferson's application of architectural inspirations as outlined by Palladio in his own monumental work "Il Quattro Libri dell'Architettura" ("The Four Books of Architecture"), which Jefferson called his "architectural bible." Jefferson's personal visit to northern Italy in 1787 also deepened his appreciation of the rich Italian cultural tradition, which continued to influence him after his return to America.

Ralph G. Giordano is a professional architect, has a Master's Degree from the City University of New York, and a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology. He is a full-time teacher at Msgr. Farrell High School and an adjunct college professor at Kean University. He has authored six books on American culture, and is a member of the Authors Guild. In 2007, he received the Council of the Arts Humanities Award on Staten Island (COAHSI), the President's Dolphin Award for Outstanding Service and Contribution at the College of Staten Island, as well as a Faculty Appreciation Award presented by the Student/Athletes of CSI for his excellence in teaching. In 1995 he was inducted into the College of Staten Island Alumni Hall of Fame.

Admission of $10, $5 for members includes a light reception. A limited number of books will be available for the author to sign for $28. Please call ahead to reserve a copy.

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. The historic Italian landmark on Staten Island, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned by the Sons of Italy Foundation and administered by the NYSOSIA?GMM?Board of Commissioners.

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.