|
East Boston Museum & Historical Society Launches
Speaker Event: Master Storyteller John Christoforo of the
Post Gazette
EAST BOSTON--The organizers of the East Boston Museum &
Historical Society will launch a Speaker Series from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 7, at the Maverick Meeting House, 31 Liverpool
Street, East Boston.
A master storyteller, John Christoforo captivates audiences weekly
throughout the United States with his column, Nanna & Babbononno, which depicts
the trials and tribulations of four generations of his family in the United
States. Much of his column focusses on his life growing up in East Boston.
Christoforo’s family emigrated from Italy in the 1920s where they first lived on
Orleans Street. Later they moved to Eagle Hill where they became one of the
first Italian families to move to Eagle Hill. He attended the Chapman,
O’Donnell, and Barnes Schools in East Boston. For high school, he attended
English High.
Christoforo will take you on a journey back in time to East Boston in the 1940s
and 50s. He will share childhood stories that all ages and backgrounds will
enjoy. It is a time of mom and pop stores, the Gem and Seville Theatres,
Lombardo’s meat market, Gertie's Lunch, Sabo’s Men’s Store, Fine’s Men’s Shop,
the 5 and 10, Goldenberg’s Department Store, Manny’s Men’s Store, John Sava's
Market, Benbrock Pharmacy, and so much more!
At 13, Christoforo lied about his age and went to work at the Seville Theatre
where he worked throughout his college years. Christoforo came from a family of
musicians and at 18 he continued the family tradition when he became a
professional musician. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston State
College (now UMASS Boston) and taught drafting and engineering in the Boston
Public Schools. He also did a bit of modeling and acting in Hollywood.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Christoforo earned two masters degrees,
and a doctorate degree. He has been married to the same woman for 40 years and
has two sons.
In the 1980s, Christoforo began writing a column for the musician’s union
magazine and eventually began writing the Nanna and Bobbononno column for the
Post-Gazette. This May marks the 25th anniversary of his column.
This summer he launches a compilation of short humorous stories about his high
school years at English High School.
The event is free and is open to the public.
Establishing a museum that celebrates the rich and diverse history of East
Boston has been a dream for residents for years. East Boston’s historical
significance ranges from its days as home to master shipbuilder Donald McKay,
who built some of the world’s fastest clipper ships to its status as the
second-busiest port of entry for immigrants.
While the board of the East Boston Museum project searches for a permanent
location, it is looking at several temporary options. However, events such as
the Guest Speaker Series allows visitors to see the museum’s potential.
For more information contact:
Theresa Malionek
617-784-9298
board@eastbostonmuseum.org
www.eastbostonmuseum.org
|
<ADVRT-LINK>
|
