On the Fourth of July our thoughts are fondly turned towards fireworks. Where can we see them (where can we grab some of the noisy sparkly things for ourselves?). We look forward to the darkened sky - split by light, color and sound...oh, yea the sound - the deep boom of exploding gun powder!) This month I have learned a tremendous amount about how fireworks are created - through my involvement with the presentation of a terrific exhibit put on by the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society. The exhibit describes the history of Long Island's Grucci family and their accomplishments from Long Island to the world - from Bellport to Monte Carlo and Japan... fabulous events like Presidential elections, sheiks parties and Olympic events. The exhibition details some of the honors and awards bestowed on the famous family, as well as their beginnings as local business people. Colorful photos of outstanding firework displays are featured - a particularly spectacular view of fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge - a fabulous display at the Washington Monument and a great shot of 'bombs bursting in air' over the Lincoln Memorial. There is even a recipe for fireworks - showing the process from gunpowder to sky burst. Curator, Dolores O'Connor, formerly Director of the BNL Science Museum, invited me to consult on the mounting of the exhibition. This fun experience allowed me to meet the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Concetta Grucci who was thrilled at the honor of having an exhibition about her family history, and the recognition from her hometown of Bellport. On hand to open the Gallery was George Plimpton, a long time family friend. After a lovely gala at the Historical Society, the Grucci family treated Bellport to a wonderful presentation of fire works. Donna Grucci Butler, President of Fireworks By Grucci, praised her mother, 85 year- old Concetta, for the years of helping to run the company, raising children, keeping house and still being a parent who insists on attendance at her house for Sunday dinner. The exhibition, which runs until September 7th, can be seen at the Barn Museum of the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society on Bellport Lane in Bellport. It will be open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and is worth a visit. Pictures from the early years of the Grucci plant, old 'set pieces' for fireworks displays, mortars, videos and a fascinating history of fireworks are on display to entertain and inform. It's a fun and nostalgic trip - don't miss it.
