Throughout his long life, Joe Mancuso, 96, has felt immense pride in his hometown of Washington, his alma mater, “Wash High,” and the local Italian Americans who made their mark in the world of sports and entertainment, like World Lightweight Champion boxer Sammy Angott.

Over the last few decades, Mancuso has displayed his “pride of place” in a homemade museum in the detached garage behind his childhood home on Woodland Avenue in Tylerdale. Nearly every inch of wall space is covered with photos, news clippings and memorabilia. Those who encounter Mancuso’s tour de force for the first time find themselves enthralled, not only with the visual spectacle, but also with the stories Mancuso tells.