Free Lecture Series Launches at Museum of Work & Culture on January 13
Valley Talks, a series of biweekly historical lectures, will take place on alternating Sundays, 1:30pm, at the Museum of Work & Culture. Free with limited seating.
Join the RIHS on October 24 at Aldrich House for a free author talk and book signing with Dr. Elaine F. Crane, who will discuss her most recent book, The Poison Plot: A Tale of Adultery and Murder in Colonial Newport.
R.I. Historical Society Names Becca Bender as Film Archivist
After an extensive national search, the Rhode Island Historical Society has announced the appointment of Becca Bender as Film Archivist & Curator of Recorded Media, a new position that will advance the RIHS’s mission to promote and preserve its collection of more than 9 million feet of moving image film and well over 2,000 sound recordings, from oral history projects to jazz performances.
RIHS Receives IMLS Grant for Staff and Volunteer Professional Development
The Institute for Museum and Library Services announced a Museums Empowered award of $22,306 to the Rhode Island Historical Society for the purposes of training staff and volunteers across the organization to better develop, frame, interpret, and tell the histories of those who have been traditionally overlooked, marginalized, or silenced.
RIHS Welcomes Smithsonian Gardens’ Collections Manager for Goff Lecture
Since the time of the “founding gardeners,” gardeners and gardens have played an important role in shaping American culture. At the RIHS’s 2018 Newell D. Goff Lecture, attendees will discover how Smithsonian Gardens is conserving American garden history.
Volunteers Needed for Historical Tours for Children
As part of the RIHS’s Field Trip Free for All program, more than 750 school children come to Providence annually to take part in our Avi Walks – historical walking tours that use the book Something Upstairs to educate students on local history and the slave trade. With the goal of expanding the program, increasing visitation, and reaching more children, we’re looking for new volunteers!
Few Dining in the Dark Tickets Remain – 9/17 Deadline!
On September 21, explore the limits of your senses at Dining in the Dark, a culinary experience to benefit accessibility at the RIHS’s Museum of Work & Culture and John Brown House Museum.
We Didn’t Go to the Catskills: Jewish Summer Recreation in R.I.
The Rhode Island Historical Society and Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association are collaborating on a panel discussion exploring past summer recreation sites. Speakers will reflect on popular local vacation destinations – including summer camps, country clubs, and favorite beaches – that Rhode Island’s Jewish community enjoyed throughout the 20th century.
RIHS Recognizes Teachers With Week of Free Admission, Programs
“Teacher Appreciation Week is all about thanking teachers for their dedication, and showing them how dedicated we are to them,” said Geralyn Ducady, Director of the RIHS’s Newell D. Goff Center for Education and Public Programs. “This is an opportunity to learn how the RIHS can help educators through the wonderful resources we have available, from free field trips to free digital textbooks to free curricula – and, of course, our collections.”
Public Meeting: Documenting African American Struggle for Civil Rights in RI
On July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Congdon Street Baptist Church at 17 Congdon St. in Providence, the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS), the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (RIBHS), and Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) will hold a public meeting to share the latest research from their collaborative project on African Americans’ struggle for Civil Rights in Rhode Island during the 20th century.
Museum of Work & Culture Announces Summer SensAbilities Program
The Museum of Work & Culture will launch its slate of summer SensAbilities programs on Monday, July 9. Made-to-Order Mondays … Continue reading Museum of Work & Culture Announces Summer SensAbilities Program
In Memoriam: William S. Simmons, 1938-2018
C. Morgan Grefe on William S. Simmons, who passed away on June 2: “He was a voice of reason, with a brilliant intellect and a sparkling sense of humor. His love of his work and his community was equaled by his tremendous compassion for humankind. He was so very kind and so very smart.”
Living History Event Will Immerse Visitors in One Night’s Revolutionary Impact
The Rhode Island Historical Society and the Newport Historical Society Present “What Cheer Day: Life After the Gaspee Affair” on June 2 as Part of History Space Series
Undressing History: Women’s Clothes & Unmentionables from the 19th Century
The Newport Historical Society and the Rhode Island Historical Society will partner for their first joint History Space event since 2015 when they present “Undressing History: Women’s Clothes & Unmentionables From the 19th Century.” During this program, which will be offered in Providence on March 6 and again in Newport on May 3, historical costumer Carrie Midura will share some of the secrets (and stuffing) that were hidden beneath the leg-o-mutton sleeves and shelf-like bustle gowns of the 1800s.
RIHS Names Richard Ring Deputy Executive Director for Collections and Interpretation
Career Spanning Two Decades Includes Libraries, Exhibitions, Higher Education
The Benefit on Benefit: Isn’t It Romantic at the Barker
We hope you will join us at the Barker Playhouse, “America’s Oldest Little Theatre,” for a special presentation of Wendy Wasserstein’s “compulsively funny” Isn’t It Romantic. All proceeds benefit the RIHS.
After Dark at the Museum Returns April 27
On April 27, the Rhode Island Historical Society’s “After Dark at the Museum” will give visitors the rare opportunity to tour the John Brown House Museum by (battery-operated!) candlelight and discover what went on during private evenings – and late nights – at home in the 18th century.
Press Release: The 2017 Newell D. Goff Lecture to Feature Susan Evans McClure
Can we use beer as a way to track immigration trends? Or a recipe card to examine agricultural development? What are the most significant advances in the evolution of cookware? Susan Evans McClure, Director of Food History Programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, will address questions like these at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s 2017 Newell D. Goff Lecture, a free event taking place at the Aldrich House in Providence on Wednesday, April 19, 6pm. A reception will follow.
“No MAN Ever Would Have Been Treated So”: Elleanor Eldridge
Celebrating Women’s History Month by way of an entrepreneur’s 233rd birthday
Volunteer With Our ‘Avi Program’
The Rhode Island Historical Society runs a robust elementary school walking tour called the “Avi Program” every spring and fall. This tour is based on Avi’s book Something Upstairs, set in the Fox Point area. As this program grows annually, RIHS is looking for guides to fill our walking tour guide roster.
Press Release: Ambitious (and Delicious) “Relishing Rhode Island” Programming Announced
Each year, the Rhode Island Historical Society features a new programming theme, allowing the organization to explore a compelling aspect of the state’s history through its events, lectures, partnerships, and initiatives. In 2016, it was fashion. The year before, design. Today, the RIHS officially announced 2017’s theme: Relishing Rhode Island, serving up plenty of events to go around, with dozens plated already and many more on the burner.
RIHS Fundraising Goal Reached, Collections Photo Re-Created!
We did it! Well, rather, you did it!
Press Release: NPS Awards Grant to RIHS, Partners for Civil Rights Project
The National Park Service (NPS) announced on Thursday, Jan. 12, a $49,557.76 grant to the Rhode Island Historical Society, working in partnership with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (RIBHS) and Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), for the purposes of a multi-phase project focusing on African Americans’ struggle for Civil Rights in Rhode Island during the 20th century.
RIHS and the Players at Barker Playhouse Have “Christmas Spirit”
A special presentation benefiting the RIHS
Make Your Holidays Historic With the RIHS & MoWC
Our upcoming open houses, walks, and more will have you feeling as festive as ever this season!
RIHS Partners With Mount Vernon to Host Teacher Appreciation Week
The Rhode Island Historical Society is proud to announce the full schedule of programming for Teacher Appreciation Week, presented in partnership with George Washington’s Mount Vernon and taking place August 15 through August 19 at various RIHS sites in Providence and Woonsocket. During Teacher Appreciation Week, educators can enjoy free workshops and museum admission; info sessions about the resources that the RIHS offers in and out of the classroom; as well as special discounts on membership, gift shop purchases, and walking tours.
Small Business Saturday, #BuyLocalRI, and More at RIHS Museum Gift Shops
On Saturday, Nov. 28, the John Brown House Museum (52 Power St., Providence, 1-4pm) and the Museum of Work & Culture (42 S. Main St., Woonsocket, 10am-4pm) will offer free admission. What’s more, patrons can shop at our RIHS museum gift shops with a 20% discount on all purchases!
Woody Spring, Rhode Island Astronaut!
Space Shuttle missions began in 1981, a year after Rhode Island’s own Sherwood “Woody” Spring was selected as an astronaut. Spring, raised in Eden Park in Cranston and Harmony village, graduated from Ponaganset High School in 1963.
Object Thursday: Gorham Silver
The RIHS has a small but lovely collection of Gorham Manufacturing Company catalogs from the last quarter of the nineteenth … Continue reading Object Thursday: Gorham Silver
Object Thursday: In the Pocket
On January 8th, I had the pleasure of spending the whole day with collections researchers. This is not as common … Continue reading Object Thursday: In the Pocket