The Italian American Museum and the Brooklyn Velodrome Vintage Wheelmen cordially invite you to attend a book presentation by author Aili McConnon for "Road to Valor: A True Story of World War II Italy and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation", a non-fiction work by Aili McConnon & Andres McConnon; and a screening of the documentary film "Assisi 1943 - 1944. Testimoni per una Memoria del Bene (Bearing Witness of Good)"

Thursday, June 15th, 6:30 PM. Light Refreshments Will Be Served. Italian American Museum - 155 Mulberry Street (Corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) - New York, NY 10013

About the Book:

Set in Italy and France against the turbulent backdrop of an unforgiving sport and threatening politics, Road to Valor is the breathtaking account of one man's unsung heroism and his resilience in the face of adversity.

At the age of 24, Gino Bartali from Tuscany stuns the world by winning the Tour de France and becomes an international sports icon. But Mussolini's Fascists try to hijack his victory for propaganda purposes, derailing Bartali's career. As the Nazis occupy Italy, Bartali undertakes secret and dangerous activities to help those being targeted. He shelters a family of Jews in an apartment he financed with his cycling winnings and is able to smuggle counterfeit identity documents hidden in his bicycle past checkpoints because the soldiers recognize him as a national hero in training.

After the grueling wartime years, Bartali fights to rebuild his career as Italy emerges from the rubble. In 1948, the stakes are raised when midway through the Tour de France, an assassination attempt in Rome sparks nationwide political protests and riots. Despite numerous setbacks and a legendary snowstorm in the Alps, the chain-smoking, Chianti-loving, 34-year-old underdog comes back and wins the most difficult endurance competition on earth. Bartali's inspiring performance helps unite his fractured homeland and restore pride and spirit to a country still reeling from war and despair.

About the Film:

The film tells the story of a handful of Catholic clergy, private citizens and even a German officer who orchestrated the dramatic rescue of several hundred Jewish refugees in Assisi, Italy, following the occupation during WWII. Special thanks to Evelyn Penman, the Assistant Director of the Quick Center at St. Bonaventure University, for making the film available to the museum.

Thursday, June 15th, 6:30 PM

RSVP Code: RV0615

Italian American Museum
155 Mulberry Street
(Corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets)
New York, NY 10013

Suggested donation of $10 per person

For reservations, please call the Italian American Museum at 212.965.9000, Email: [email protected] or Fax: 347.810.1028