The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce its 178th meeting to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. with an in-person presentation by Susan Olsen. The location is Woodlawn Cemetery’s Woolworth Chapel, located south of East 233rd Street on the Jerome Avenue entrance.
Olsen is the director of historical services for the Woodlawn Cemetery. Her background is in the operation of historical museums. She earned her BA in history from Rhodes College, completed her graduate studies in history at Vanderbilt University, and obtained her Master’s in Philanthropy from New York University.
Considering October has notable pseudonyms, one of which is Italian-American Heritage Month — started in 1989 — this in-person meeting will focus on Woodlawn’s famous Italian Americans. The powerpoint presentation will visit memorials created by the Piccirilli Brothers, noted marble carvers and sculptors, famous for carving the Lincoln Memorial and the famous lions at the New York Public Library. The Piccirillis had their studio on East 142nd Street here in the Bronx.
Another famous Italian-American, Generoso Pope Sr., was known for his work with Italian language newspapers, and who also made his fortune in importing Italian foods. Joseph Stella, a painter, gained fame in the artistic movements such as Futurism and Cubism. He spent his final days painting in the Bronx. John Grignola, a sculptor, was known for his Bronx Civil War statue that once stood in the Bronx River on a pedestal as well as the John Paul Jones monument in Washington, D.C. In addition, Fiorello LaGuardia, the first Italian American Mayor of NYC, elected during the Great Depression, has his final resting place in Woodlawn along with Pope, Stella and Grignola.
We look forward to seeing you for this celebration of Italian American achievements. For more information follow us on Facebook and Instagram or on our website at www.BronxNYC.com.
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