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Out of Mt. Rushmore's Shadow, Chief Carver Luigi Del Bianco

In Person, Grandson Portrays Chief Carver of Mt. Rushmore

Storyteller Lou Del Bianco portrays his grandfather, Luigi Del Bianco, and talks about his unsung contribution as chief carver on our nation’s great memorial, Mount Rushmore.

Lou Del Bianco uses authentic photos, timelines and primary source documents to bring Luigi’s story to life, an Italian immigrant and chief carver of Mount Rushmore. The presentation culminates with designer Gutzon Borglum’s praise of Luigi, the 25 year struggle to get him recognized and the CBS SUNDAY MORNING tribute where a plaque at Mount Rushmore is finally unveiled! Now a published book authored by Lou, “Out of Rushmore’s Shadow” is a dramatic and touching story about Luigi’s legacy and the immigrant struggle.

About the Presenter: Actor, singer, storyteller, and audiobook narrator Lou Del Bianco has captivated audiences since 1982 with dynamic performances that blend music, history, and storytelling. The New York Times praised his dramatic style for "putting pow into passivity," while the Parents' Choice Foundation recognized him as one of the few performers to excel as both storyteller and musician. His award-winning recordings have also been honored by Billboard, NAPPA, TV Guide, Booklist, and Family Fun.  Lou has performed nationwide at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kravis Center, and the Taste of Chicago, and has spent nearly four decades as an artist-in-residence, partnering with schools to inspire literacy through engaging educational programs.  Standing 6'4", Lou is nationally recognized for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, endorsed by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.  Lou is also the grandson of Luigi Del Bianco, the chief carver of Mount Rushmore. His 25-year effort to secure recognition for his grandfather culminated in a commemorative plaque at Mount Rushmore, a feature on CBS Sunday Morning, and his award-winning book, Out of Rushmore's Shadow. The book has been praised by historian Douglas Brinkley and helped bring Luigi's story to national television audiences.  Today, Lou continues to entertain as an acclaimed audiobook narrator, bringing stories to life with the same passion that has defined his career.

Register online or by calling the library at (973) 584-2400.

This and all Library programs are made possible by the Friends of Roxbury Public Library.

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