Lecture on history of Valley’s Italians

Staff report

LIBERTY

Ben Lariccia and Joe Tucciarone, authors of the new book “Coal War in the Mahoning Valley: The Origin of Greater Youngstown’s Italians,” will give a presentation at 10 a.m. Saturday in the meeting room of Kravitz Deli 3135 Belmont Ave.

Admission to the presentation, sponsored by the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, is $6 ($5 for society members). The event will include refreshments, a raffle and instrumental music by Dolores DePietro. Reservations are suggested; call society chairman Richard Scarsella at 330-726-8277.

Lariccia, a native of Youngstown, is a historian and writer. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in bilingual/bicultural education from La Salle University.

He taught in Philadelphia schools for 30 years, and is a contributing writer for La Gazzetta Italiana newspaper. He is a member of the America-Italy Society of Philadelphia and the Italian American Studies Association.

Tucciarone was born in Youngstown and raised in Hubbard. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a master’s degree from the University of Toledo.

In 2000, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from YSU.

Tucciarone’s astronomical animations have appeared in dozens of Discovery and National Geographic Channel documentaries. His illustrations have enhanced the covers of several books, including “When the Sun Dies” and “Night Comes to the Cretaceous.”

La Gazzetta Italiana recently published his article, “The First Italians in Trumbull County, Ohio.”

WHMHS conducts cultural and educational programs in an effort to keep the legacy of nationally known educator, William Holmes McGuffey, alive in the Valley. Programs for the second half of the year include:

Aug. 17: Presidents’ Wives: Members of the Salem Preservation Society will perform as historic first ladies, dressed in period costumes, enacting scenes from various periods of American history.

Sept. 21: Tim Seman: Youngstown and Mahoning County Library Association genealogy and local history librarian will trace the founding, growth and development of the library system.

Oct. 19: Polka Party: New Castle, Pa.-raised button-box performer and Thiel College art professor Ron Pivovar will entertain by playing polka favorites.

Nov. 16: Amber Farris: The director of the President McKinley Memorial and Museum, Niles, will recall one of America’s most influential leaders, his assassination and the creation of his memorial.

Dec. 21: Just Friends: Local “senior” community choir, founded by Maureen Strollo and under the direction of Jodine Pilmer, will perform holiday and year-round musical favorites from years ago.