RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 22, 6:00 p.m.
Exhibit Opening
Aldrich House
110 Benevolent Street, Providence
Free Admission, To R.S.V.P.: Dalila Goulart
(401) 331-8575 x45 or programs@rihs.org
 
“Prepared to Do My Whole Duty”: Elisha Hunt Rhodes in War and Peace.
As part of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, please join us at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s Aldrich House for the Providence opening of the exhibit “Prepared to Do My Whole Duty”: Elisha Hunt Rhodes in War and Peace.” Rhodes enlisted at the age of 19 in the RI 2nd volunteers during the Civil War, and rose through the ranks to achieve colonel status. The exhibit features excerpts from his diaries and letters detailing his personal experiences, as well as objects illustrating his life of service during and after the war. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with remarks beginning at 6:30 p.m. We are delighted to welcome Civil War expert and author of War’s Relentless Hand: Twelve Tales of Civil War Soldiers, Mark Dunkelman, as our lecturer this evening. Please stay afterwards to view the exhibit and enjoy refreshments.

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Saturday, May 24
Evenings of full WaterFire lightings, 5:30 p.m.
Tour departs from the
John Brown House Museum
$10 per person
Reservations requested: Barbara Barnes
(401) 273-7507 x62 or bbarnes@rihs.org

RiverWalk: Before the Fires are Lit
After the arrival of Roger Williams in 1636, rivers shaped the life of the city of Providence. The Colonial waterfront was the site of a thriving shipping economy for a young town. Eventually, factories and railroads turned attention away from the rivers and toward the land. After the 1950s, highways and bridges covered the waterways, and the rivers were forgotten. But that was yesterday! Today, architects and city planners are creating a “new” waterfront. Once again, the rivers take center stage. And no event commands more attention than Barnaby Evans’ WaterFire. Smartly designed walkways, parks, and pedestrian bridges invite strolling, especially on summer evenings. Urban outdoor sculpture and beautiful civic and commercial buildings of varied architectural styles provide the setting for stories of Providence’s fabled past and dynamic present. This walk shares the history of Rhode Island’s capital city and the history of WaterFire.
$10 per person. Reservations requested for this tour. For schedule of WaterFire lightings: www.waterfire.org <http://www.waterfire.org/> , or (401) 272-3111. This walk is offered in collaboration with WaterFire.
 
3D Presentation of Historical Stereo Views of 19th Century Providence
RISD Auditorium, North Main Street
Shows begin at:
7:30 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm, 11 pm

On May 24, WaterFire and the RI Historical Society will present a 3D projection program of late 19th-century stereo views of the Providence waterfront and downtown, along with some modern day equivalent 3D views. Join historian Ned Connors for a half-hour narrated tour of 19th-century Providence; you’ll see the present-day venue of WaterFire magically come alive in three dimensions just as it was 125 years ago. Seeing these historic photographs with the added realism of 3D is a remarkable experience. Shows begin at 7:30 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm and 11 pm. There is no charge for the show, but contributions are welcome! See www.waterfire.org <http://www.waterfire.org/>  for more details.

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Saturday, June 7, 6:00 p.m.
Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University
315 Harborside Boulevard, Providence
For more information: Mary Lou Upham
(401) 331-8575 x33 or mlupham@rihs.org.
 
History Makers 2008 Gala
Make sure to mark your calendar to attend the RIHS’s History Makers 2008 Gala on Saturday, June 7. This year, the signature award ceremony and fundraiser takes place at the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. The evening’s celebration will honor keynote speaker Dr. Robert Ballard, as well as Mr. Jim Taricani and The Honorable Bruce Selya. Enjoy the creative and delectable dinner stations of Fine Catering by Russell Morin. Cocktail attire; tickets are $150 each.

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Founded in 1822, the Rhode Island Historical Society is the nation’s fourth oldest state historical society and is today the steward of tens of thousands of books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, paintings, artifacts, and other historical materials.  The Society maintains its research library and John Brown House Museum in Providence and operates the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket.  The Society’s ongoing public and educational programming includes publication of the historical journal Rhode Island History and the presentation of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and tours.  www.rihs.org