Antonio Meucci was the true inventor of the telephone in the 1840's, 25 years before Bell, who stole Meucci's ideas and designs. Meucci was also an early electrotherpist. There is a Meucci museum on Staten Island, where Meucci lived and is buried.
People writing about, doing research on, or having knowledge about Meucci:
Catania, Basilo: Italian, has written many books and articles on Meucci; Basilo's website is here: http://www.chezbasilio.org/index.html
Vassilatos, Gerry: has written articles and has great knowledge of Meucci;