RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

Saturday, December 6, 2:00 p.m.
John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street, Providence
Reservations required, Contact: Dalila Goulart
(401) 331-8575 x45 or programs@rihs.org
 
A Christmas Carol: Dramatic Reading by Robb Dimmick
Warm up your Christmas spirit inside the John Brown House Museum with a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Sit back and enjoy as Robb Dimmick, well-known local actor and artistic director, reads aloud the beloved story. Don’t miss this delightful reading of the Victorian holiday classic inside the perfect setting of our historic, eighteenth-century mansion. Admission is FREE.   

While you are at the John Brown House Museum for this exciting event, make sure to take a house tour and stop by our Museum Shop. All merchandise will be 10% off. Holiday-themed books and other items will be featured. Members will get their discount, plus an additional 10%! Saturday house tours depart at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The Museum Shop will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

White Horses in the Dark

White Horses in the Dark:  Winter Solstice Traditions in Ireland and Britain

Saturday, December 6, 2:00 p.m.

Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Manning Hall, Main Green, Brown University, Providence, RI

Kate Chadbourne (Celtic Languages and Literature, Harvard University) returns to the Haffenreffer Museum to discuss Celtic traditions of the winter solstice in the British Isles.  From the earliest archaeological records of Newgrange in Ireland to modern Midwinter “horseplay” in southern Wales, Dr. Chadbourne will explore rich Celtic Midwinter traditions through proverbs, stories, customs and beliefs meant to set the sun anew on its life-giving travels. Kate Chadbourne performs regularly as a singer, musician and storyteller. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology.

The program takes place in Manning Hall with reception to follow.

RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Gallery Night
John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street, Providence

Seating is Limited!
Free Admission, To R.S.V.P.: Dalila Goulart
(401) 331-8575 x45 or programs@rihs.org
 
If These Walls Could Talk…. From Roots to Branches: Today’s Family Connections with the Francises, Herreshoffs, and the Mason-Eatons
The history of the John Brown House Museum remains vital and dynamic today! Join us for this month’s Gallery Night lecture to welcome Nathanael G. Herreshoff III and Henry A.L. Brown, descendants of the historic Herreshoff and Brown Francis families. They will speak about their experiences growing up in and researching their respective families. Mr. Herreshoff and his guest, genealogy researcher Marianne Healey-Wild, will divulge the latest information discovered about Karl Friedrich Herreshoff. Brown will discuss how he worked to clear the bad reputations of Karl Herreshoff and John Francis. Attention will also be given to the Mason-Eaton family line. This exciting night promises to be full of unique facts, anecdotes, memories, and perspectives. The presentation will last about an hour and both speakers will be available for questions afterwards.

************

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 <http://www.rihs.org/>

 

FW: Historic New England e-newsletter

You are receiving this email because you purchased a product/service or subscribed on the Historic New England website. If you haven't done so already, click to confirm your interest in receiving email campaigns from us.

 

You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.

News from Historic New England e-newsletter November 2008 Stellar support and great auction items Among the many auction items available at the Historic New England Gala on January 9, are several exciting opportunities to become actively involved in New England's lively cultural scene.   Participants may bid on the chance to win a $10,000 gift certificate to the renowned William Vareika Fine Arts, Ltd. gallery in Newport, Rhode Island, and invite friends and family to a private cocktail reception and talk at the gallery.   Those who know a student of the arts can give the opportunity of a lifetime by bidding on a competitive summer internship at the prestigious Childs Gallery on Boston's Newbury Street.   Lovers of literature will want to take advantage of a private lunch with David Hackett Fischer, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington's Crossing.    Oenophiles could enjoy an exclusive sampling of the current wine market, with a private wine tasting party hosted by Christie's New York wine director.   World travelers and armchair tourists alike can make a special connection by bidding on a dinner at the private home of the Consul General of Spain, which will include a festive Spanish meal and discussion of the history of Spanish wine and cuisine.   All proceeds from the auction help fund Historic New England's education programs, which serve over 36,000 children per year. Watch for upcoming information on advance bidding opportunities, which will start the week before the gala.   The Historic New England Gala features cocktails, an auction preview, dinner, and a live auction with guest auctioneers Karen Keane and Stephen Fletcher of Skinner, Inc.  Email for ticket information or call 617-227-3956, ext. 267.   Historic New England is very appreciative of the support by Lead Corporate Sponsor William Vareika Fine Arts, Ltd., with additional support from Skinner, Inc., Gold Sponsor. Win/win in the garden A recent collaboration between Historic New England and the Wollaston Garden Club resulted in benefits for both organizations. Twenty-five garden club members participated in In the Garden: Pruning 101, a hands-on workshop on the correct way to prune, taught by Master Gardener Cynthia Lewis and Historic New England Landscape Manager Anthony DeAngelis. Members then applied their fresh skills to the trees and shrubs surrounding Historic New England's Quincy House.   Regional Site Manager Leah Walczak stated, "The group's skill and hard work have made a notable difference to the property.  We are delighted by the club's interest in the Quincy House landscape."  The garden club's purpose is to contribute to civic beautification in Quincy by helping public sites. Next spring, they will participate in another program and clean-up, and are also developing plans for a perennial garden. Prize for collecting works on paper With more than one million items in the Library and Archives collection, Historic New England recognizes the importance of preserving photographs, books, ephemera, drawings, and other records of daily life.  We are delighted to announce the establishment of the Historic New England Prize for Collecting Works on Paper, awarded annually to a collector or dealer who has assembled or helped save a significant collection of historical material related to New England, which might otherwise have been left unrecognized or lost.   The award will recognize collections ranging from books, manuscripts, photographs, prints, and drawings to all kinds of ephemera, such as trade cards, scrapbooks, or theater programs.  The prize of $500 and a membership in Historic New England will be awarded at an annual event.   Take part in this new initiative and nominate a person who has made a significant contribution to the preservation of such materials.  Send your nomination and description of the qualifications of your nominee by November 21, 2008, to Prize Committee, Historic New England, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114. Little league Players, coaches, family members, and staff enjoyed cake and ice cream as Historic New England celebrated "our" All Dorchester Sports League Cardinals' second-place win at the Pierce House. Be a partner in our success The steady commitment and financial support of our members and donors enables Historic New England to develop creative programs and be a leader in preserving the region's cultural heritage. Our education programs, with hands-on lessons at schools and sites across New England, currently serve over 36,000 students. We are developing initiatives to present new approaches to history, with projects like the Year of the Kitchen in 2009, the book America's Kitchens, as well as the traveling exhibition of the same name, which opens next summer.  Meanwhile we continue to provide a steady stream of workshops, walking tours, behind-the-scenes-visits to historic sites, seminars, and other programs.   Our innovative programs are winning national recognition: a grant for $150,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support Boston area educational programming; a Save America's Treasures grant for Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House; and an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History for Historic New England magazine.   Without your help, much of this great work might not have been accomplished. Since its founding in 1910, Historic New England has been sustained by its membership. Our members value the perspective that history gives us, especially in stressful economic times. Over the years, members and donors have supported programs and services to schoolchildren, collectors, designers, families, and historic homeowners. Please demonstrate your support for Historic New England this year by making a gift today or by mailing a contribution to Annual Fund, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, to help us continue with the next one hundred years of sharing New England heritage.  Thank you. Plant of the month Night-blooming Cereus, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, or Queen of the Night   The true epiphytic cactus is native to Central and South America, where it grows like an orchid in the tops of the trees. The night-blooming cereus blooms at different times of the year, but primarily in the summer. As the name implies, it opens at night, usually between 9:00 and 12:00 p.m. The flowers are huge and very fragrant. They last only one night, but are well worth the effort. the Lyman Estate Greenhouses have plants about one foot tall in four-inch pots for $9.00 each.   The greenhouses are open Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays). For more information, call 781-891-4882, ext. 244.   Historic New England members receive a 10% discount, and Garden & Landscape members receive a 15% discount at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses. For Garden and Landscape membership information click here. You are cordially invited The annual members' holiday party is one of Historic New England's most popular events.  Please join us on Wednesday, December 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Lyman Estate.  Enjoy the festive atmosphere, fine food and drink, and live music. Tickets are $30 per person.  To reserve your tickets call 617-227-3957, ext. 264, or e-mail. Tickets will not be available at the door, so reserve your tickets today. Program highlights Getting Started in Genealogy  Saturday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Governor John Langdon House, Portsmouth, N.H.;  617-227-3957, ext. 254; $45 Historic New England and NEHGS members, $55 nonmembers. Each of us has a remarkable family story waiting to be discovered. Since 1845, the New England Historic Genealogical Society has provided expert resources and staff to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of families in America. Join NEHGS and Historic New England for a seminar on basic techniques for exploring your family history. Learn strategies for using repositories and websites to locate vital record information, organizing a pedigree chart, and documenting your discoveries.    Orchid Growing Clinic Saturday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Lyman Estate Greenhouses, Waltham, Mass.; 781-891-4882, ext. 244; $10 for up to three orchids. Bring up to three orchid plants for evaluation by experienced horticulturists. Get advice on maintaining healthy blooming plants. Other services offered include repotting and educational hand-outs about orchids. Books, pots, and growing supplies are for sale. E-mail membership@HistoricNewEngland.org Telephone: 617-227-3956 Web: http://www.historicnewengland.org In this issue... Stellar support Win/win in the garden New prize Little league Partner with us Plant of the month You are cordially invited Program highlights Join today to receive Historic New England magazine Or call 617-227-3957, ext. 264.  Become a fan of Historic New England on Facebook     Quick Links   Shop online   Calendar of events   Paint color chart   Employment opportunities

RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

Saturday, November 8 to Saturday, January 3, 2009
Gallery Exhibit
Museum of Work & Culture
42 South Main Street, Woonsocket
For more information: Anne Conway
(401) 769-9675 or aconway@rihs.org
 
“Woonsocket Now and Again”
The Woonsocket based Riverzedge Arts Project has collaborated closely with the Museum of Work & Culture to develop this exhibit which compares and contrasts the city of Woonsocket “then and now.” The exhibit will feature paintings and digital photographs by Riverzedge students based on their research of the city’s history. The pieces will represent their interpretation of the city’s changes and raise questions about the direction the city is heading. To learn more about the Riverzedge Arts Project: http://www.riverzedgearts.org/

***********************************

Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Gallery Night
John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street, Providence
Free Admission, To R.S.V.P.: Dalila Goulart
(401) 331-8575 x45 or programs@rihs.org
 
If These Walls Could Talk…. From Roots to Branches: Today’s Family Connections with the Francises, Herreshoffs, and the Mason-Eatons
The history of the John Brown House Museum remains vital and dynamic today! Join us for this month’s Gallery Night lecture to welcome Nathanael G. Herreshoff III and Henry A.L. Brown, descendants of the historic Herreshoff and Brown Francis families. They will speak about their experiences growing up in and researching their respective families. Mr. Herreshoff and his guest, genealogy researcher Marianne Healey-Wild, will divulge the latest information discovered about Karl Friedrich Herreshoff. Brown will discuss how he worked to clear the bad reputations of Karl Herreshoff and John Francis. Attention will also be given to the Mason-Eaton family line. This exciting night promises to be full of unique facts, anecdotes, memories, and perspectives. The presentation will last about an hour and both speakers will be available for questions afterwards.

***********************************
 
 
At the Providence Public Library …

Celebrate African Heritage at Providence Public Library, November 15
African Heritage Day will feature live music and dance, discussion and an exhibit

Free and open to the public, African Heritage Day will take place Saturday, November 15 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm in the Central Library Auditorium (3rd floor), 150 Empire Street, downtown Providence.  This event is presented in partnership with Bryant University and the African Alliance of Rhode Island (AARI).

African Heritage Day at PPL will feature live music and dance by Rhode Island’s own Moremi Cultural Group, led by Adesina Omodunbi.  Also, award-winning Ghanaian playwright Ama Ata Aidoo will lead a discussion on the theme:  “Love, Identity and Women in West Africa.”  In addition to writing plays, Aidoo is an accomplished poet, has written several children’s books, and has won many literary awards, including the 1992 Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book.  She has taught and lived in America, Britain, Germany, and Zimbabwe, and is currently a Visiting Professor in the Africana Studies Department at Brown University.

Pembroke Seminar, Research Lecture: Sam Easterson, Tues. Nov. 11, 5:00pm

Pembroke Seminar
Research Lecture

"Using Animal Borne Imaging Systems to Create an Aesthetic of Empathy", a
lecture by Sam Easterson

Easterson is a video artist and museum professional who is currently the
Creative Producer at the Royal Ontario Museum. His work has been exhibited
at The Whitney Museum and seen on the Sundance Channel, Animal Planet, CNN,
and the Late Show with David Letterman.

Tuesday, 11/11 at 5 pm, Room 120, List Art Center, 64 College St.

Reception to follow.

Free and open to the public.

RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

Saturday, November 8 to Saturday, January 3, 2009
Gallery Exhibit
Museum of Work & Culture
42 South Main Street, Woonsocket
For more information: Anne Conway
(401) 769-9675 or aconway@rihs.org
 
“Woonsocket Now and Again”
The Woonsocket based Riverzedge Arts Project has collaborated closely with the Museum of Work & Culture to develop this exhibit which compares and contrasts the city of Woonsocket “then and now.” The exhibit will feature paintings and digital photographs by Riverzedge students based on their research of the city’s history. The pieces will represent their interpretation of the city’s changes and raise questions about the direction the city is heading. To learn more about the Riverzedge Arts Project: http://www.riverzedgearts.org/

************

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 <http://www.rihs.org/>

Lecture this Thursday (11/6) at 8:00 pm: Emma Blake on Sardinia's Bronze Age Towers

The Second R. Ross Holloway Lecture

Emma Blake (Tufts University)

Sardinia's Bronze Age Towers: 4000 Years of Use and Reuse

Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Mencoff Hall (68 Waterman Street)
Reception to Follow at 70 Waterman Street

Free and open to the public


Professor Emma Blake is an Assistant Professor in the Classics Department at Tufts University. Her research focuses on the western Mediterranean in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Since 1999 her fieldwork has been centered in western Sicily. Her articles have appeared in numerous journals, and most recently she co-edited, with A. Bernard Knapp, The Archaeology of Mediterranean Prehistory (Oxford, Blackwell, 2005).
 
Her lecture, "Sardinia's Bronze Age Towers: 4000 Years of Use and Reuse", is free and open to the public.