For Media Opportunities or book orders for Out of Rushmore’s Shadow:
Contact: Lou Del Bianco, ldb31@icloud.com
(914) 937-0897
WHAT: A new behind-the-scenes story about the creation of a famous National Memorial
This is an unknown Mount Rushmore story told from a distinct personal and historic vantage point that adds real life, depth, heart and dimension to what we know about the iconic American monument.
From primary personal and historic sources researched by the grandson of Mount Rushmore’s chief carver, Luigi Del Bianco (bio), comes a story previously untold. It celebrates and shares true-life accounts and anecdotes about a significant time in American life (1927-1941); and through the experience of a talented and lesser-known Italian immigrant honored to carve images of U.S. presidents from a mountain. It tells a behind-the-scenes story that invites us all to take a closer look at a national icon.
FROM PRIMARY SOURCE RESEARCH:
Mount Rushmore designer Gutzon Borglum described Chief Carver Luigi DelBianco: “the only stone carver on the work who understands the language of the sculptor.”
(About Del Bianco or “Bianco” as he was called): “He is worth any three men I could find in America.”
When Del Bianco quit for a time, EVERYBODY had to stop work on the faces. Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmore’s designer, wooed him back by paying part of DelBianco’s salary out of his own pocket.
“The loss of Bianco will probably prevent the finishing of the Washington and Jefferson heads this year…”
(Please see Borglum and “Bianco”)
WHO: When he was in second grade, Lou DelBianco (bio), Luigi DelBianco’s grandson, discovered pamphlets on Mount Rushmore and was told by his mother that his grandfather had been its Chief Carver. A new-found confidence to an otherwise painfully shy boy set in as he presented his Mount Rushmore story to classmates the following day. All these years later, he shares this truly interesting story that personally reaches beyond his family line to touch others because it tells of an immigrant’s story, a family’s story, American workers’ story and a slice of American life from 1927-1941 during the creation of Mount Rushmore. (Please see FAQ)
(All articles below are presented in PDF format.)
SOUTH DAKOTA MAGAZINE 2018
The 2017 Luigi Del Bianco plaque unveiling at Mount Rushmore.
ITALIAN AMERICA MAGAZINE 2018
The Sons and Daughters of Italy recognize Luigi Del Bianco
WESTMORE NEWS 2017
Local coverage of Luigi Del Bianco’s recognition.
VISTO MAGAZINE 2017
Luigi recognition in Italian.
NEW YORK TIMES 2016
Great article by Sam Roberts about Luigi finally being recognized as chief carver.
THE YAK YAK GIRLS 2014
Here I am having a fun chat with the Yak Yak girls!
HISTORY MAGAZINE 2014
Another great article by Douglas Gladstone.
JOURNAL NEWS 2014
Phil Reisman wrote a great piece on Luigi leading up the memorial unveiling on June 21, 2014
AMBASSADOR MAGAZINE 2014
The NIAF publishes a great magazine. This in-depth article was written by the only Douglas Gladstone, our favorite author!
PHIL REISMAN SHOW WITH DOUGLAS GLADSTONE 2014
Phil Reisman has a great chat with author Douglas Gladstone and his new book, “Carving a Niche for Himself: The Untold Story of Luigi Del Bianco”
JOURNAL NEWS 2012
Peter Kramer wrote this very amusing story about the meeting Buddy Valastro, Luigi Del Bianco and yours truly.
NPR MORNING ADDITION 2011
A really good piece that was done through Story Corp. My aunt Gloria and I reminisce about Luigi.
RAPID CITY JOURNAL 2011
A nice article about my wonderful experience performing my one-man show at Mount Rushmore.
JOURNAL NEWS 2009
This article is about storyteller Lou Del Bianco and his grandfather and how they both bring Abraham Lincoln to life in unique ways.
IL POPOLO 2007 (IN ITALIAN)
A great article from Pordenone, the province in Italy where Luigi was born.
DAILY ITEM 2001
Another nice Article about Caesar and his father.
SOUND SHORE REVIEW 2000
A great article about Caesar Del Bianco and the work he has done to get his father the credit he deserves.
ITALIAN ARTICLE 1991 (IN ITALIAN)
The Famee Furlan, a wonderful Italian Organization that Luigi belonged to, honored him in 1991. The Article covers that event.
VILLAGE VIEWS 1991
This in-depth article contains lots of personal photos and stories about Luigi and the Del Bianco family.
JOURNAL NEWS 1991
Entitled, “Carved in Stone”, this article was written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the completion of Mount Rushmore. Featured is Luigi’s son, Caesar.
DAILY ITEM 1969
The obituary of Luigi Del Bianco.
HERALD STATESMAN 1966
This wonderful article is the only existing interview with Luigi.
ABERDEEN DAILY NEWS 1933
Fun article from the same paper that talks about Luigi’s relationship with Primo Carnera
ABERDEEN DAILY NEWS 1933
A wonderful old article that talks about the newly hired Chief Carver.