RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

SummerWalks, June 15 - October 15
Sponsored in part by AAA of Southern New England, Parkside Rotisserie & Bar, Whole Foods Market, and the Providence Biltmore Hotel.
Benefit Street and RiverWalk tours depart from the
John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street, Providence
DownCity Alive! departs from the Providence Biltmore Hotel.
For more information: Barbara Barnes                        
(401) 273-7505 x62 or bbarnes@rihs.org

Benefit Street: A Mile of History
Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.
$12 per person; $10 for RIHS members; $6 for children 12 and under.
 
RiverWalk: Before the Fires are Lit
Saturdays of full WaterFire lightings, 5:30 p.m.
See www.waterfire.org <http://www.waterfire.org/>  for scheduled lightings.
$10 per person.
 
DownCity Alive!: A 21st Century Debut
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:00 p.m.
$10 per person.

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Thursday, June 19, 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… Providence’s own Yankee Doodle Dandy
Tonight’s lecture will feature music scholar and RISD professor Michael Fink to speak about the life and works of Providence native George M. Cohan, the original Yankee Doodle Dandy. Fink will talk about Cohan’s connections to Wickenden Street, his place in musical history, and the film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Also, on Saturday, June 28 and Saturday, July 5, the scheduled 11:00 a.m. walking tours will be patriotic strolls through Fox Point, focusing on Cohan and the history of the neighborhood, and don’t forget The American Band will be kicking off this year’s Concert Under the Elms on Thursday, June 26 with some pieces of rousing American music.

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Saturday, June 21
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.

**************************************
 
Thursdays, June 26 - August 7, 6:30 p.m.
John Brown House Museum Lawn
52 Power Street, Providence
For more information: Mary Lou Upham
(401) 331-8575 x33 or mlupham@rihs.org.
 
Concerts Under the Elms
Eastside Marketplace, presenting sponsor
The 2008 summer concerts series will present some exciting new acts while continuing to feature the satisfying mix of musical genres that have made the Society’s outdoor music series a popular fixture of summer on the East Side. The American Band kicks off the season on June 26 with its traditional pre-Independence Day concert. Adults $8; Children under 12 free; RIHS members and accompanying minor children, free. Check out our website for the full series schedule: www.rihs.org <http://www.rihs.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/>

 

Events at the historic Forest Hills Cemetery / Volunteers needed!

10th Annual Lantern Festival at historic Forest Hills Cemetery

On Thursday, July 17, 6-9 pm (Rain date: July 24), Forest Hills proudly celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Lantern Festival. Over the years, the Lantern Festival has grown into a much-loved community event, drawing more than 4,000 people to this beautiful, historic cemetery to commemorate family and friends. In this breathtaking ceremony of remembrance, visitors to this lush, Victorian landscape make paper lanterns and set them afloat on the peaceful waters of a small lake. This ritual is based on the traditional Japanese Bon Festival, a time when a door opens to the world of the ancestors, allowing us to send messages to the other side. People enjoy picnics on the grass and a multi-cultural program of music and dance. Then they decorate their lanterns with calligraphy and notes to those who have died. At sunset, a candle is lit in each lantern, and the glimmering lanterns
are set afloat. Drifting and flickering with the wind, the lanterns symbolize the soul’s journey when life ends.

Performers include gospel singer Ron Murphy, Master Tsuji’s Samurai Taiko Drummers, and students from Showa Institute and Chu Ling Dance Academy.

Admission is free, with a $10 requested donation per lantern. $10 parking fee; we’re encouraging people to take the T! Info at 617.524.0128 or www.foresthillstrust.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the 10th Annual (2008) Lantern Festival

Help make paper shades:

Join neighbors, bring your friends! We’ll serve pizza, fruit and soda and chat while cutting and pasting lantern shades for this summer’s annual ceremony of remembrance:

Tuesday, JUNE 25 -- 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Eliot School, 24 Eliot St., Jamaica Plain
At the intersection of Eliot St., South St., and Centre St.

Monday, JUNE 30 -- 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Brookline Arts Center, 86 Monmouth St., Brookline
At the corner of St. Mary St. and Monmouth St., just one block from Beacon St.

and/or help out at the Festival:

Volunteer in two-hour shift to hand out programs, greet attendees, and monitor the shade tables. Then receive a FREE lantern and join the festivities.

Thursday, JULY 17 – from 6 to 9 pm. (Rain date: Thursday, July 24)
At Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Jamaica Plain

Take the T: Easy walk from Orange Line Forest Hills stop via Tower St. shortcut.
(Parking fee –$10 per vehicle/ FREE for volunteers)

Please RSVP. To sign up, e-mail Meredith Safford at volunteer@foresthillstrust.org or call Jonathan Clark at 617 524 0128 x 51

RI Historical Society -- Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 22 –
Tuesday, September 2
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Exhibit
Aldrich House
110 Benevolent Street, Providence
Free Admission
For more information: Dalila Goulart
(401) 331-8575 x45 or programs@rihs.org

“Prepared to Do My Whole Duty”: Elisha Hunt Rhodes in War and Peace
“Prepared to Do My Whole Duty” explores the life of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, a well-known and beloved figure in Rhode Island during and after the Civil War. In April 1861, when he was 19, Rhodes enlisted in the newly-formed 2nd Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry raised to fight the Confederate Army. In the course of the war, he was promoted from Corporal to Colonel and fought with the 2nd Rhode Island in major battles from Bull Run to Gettysburg . Throughout the war, he kept a diary which was published by his great- grandson, Robert Hunt Rhodes. The exhibit features excerpts from Rhodes’ diaries and letters detailing his personal experiences, as well as objects and images illustrating his life of service during and after the war. “Prepared to Do My Whole Duty” is sponsored by the Rhode Island Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. It is also made possible with generous support from the Rhode Island Foundation. For a complete listing of Rhode Island Lincoln Bicentennial events, see www.rilincoln200.org <http://www.rilincoln200.org/> . The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Aldrich House, 110 Benevolent Street, Providence. For more information, please contact Dalila Goulart, at (401) 331-8575 x45 or programs@rihs.org.

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

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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June 7 & 8
Museum of Work & Culture
42 South Main Street, Woonsocket
Bank of America Museums on Us
For more information: Anne Conway
(401) 769-9675 or aconway@rihs.org

Free Admission for Bank of America Customers!
The Museum of Work & Culture Co-Directors, Raymond H. Bacon and Anne D. Conway have announced that for the seventh consecutive year, the Museum, located in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has been selected to participate in the Bank of America Museums on US program.  This program provides unparalleled access to some of the nation’s greatest museums and cultural institutions. Visitors to the Museum will receive free admission every first weekend of the month throughout the year by simply presenting their Bank of America card.  Additionally, participants will receive 10% off their purchases in the Museum Store. For more information on Museums on Us™ or Bank of America’s arts and culture programming, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/museums <http://www.bankofamerica.com/museums> .

************************************
 
Thursday, June 19, 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… Providence’s own Yankee Doodle Dandy
Tonight’s lecture will feature music scholar and RISD professor Michael Fink to speak about the life and works of Providence native George M. Cohan, the original Yankee Doodle Dandy. Fink will talk about Cohan’s connections to Wickenden Street, his place in musical history, and the film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Also, on Saturday, June 28 and Saturday, July 5, the scheduled 11:00 a.m. walking tours will be patriotic strolls through Fox Point, focusing on Cohan and the history of the neighborhood, and don’t forget The American Band will be kicking off this year’s Concert Under the Elms on Thursday, June 26 with some pieces of rousing American music.

 

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

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/>

Pathways to History: Reopening of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site 2008

Here is some detailed Web site information about the reopening of the Saugus
Ironworks from Pat Malone:

http://www.special-sections.com/sections/1119/index2.html

Invitation to attend PodCamp Boston, July 19-20, 2008

Are you charged with understanding new media - blogging, podcasting, social networks, virtual worlds?

Are you looking to improve your new media skills and connect with cutting edge new media innovators?

PodCamp Boston is the event you've been waiting for!

PodCamp Boston puts smart people from every walk of life together for two days to learn, share, and grow their new media skills. 480 people gathering to share their ideas, lessons learned and earned, cutting edge developments, and stories. From blogging to podcasting to Twitter to virtual worlds and more, whether you're a veteran of new media or just getting started, PodCamp Boston has something for YOU. Register today to attend PodCamp Boston <http://tk.publicaster.com/DC/ctr.aspx?6C6164=31383130373332&736272=68730&747970=6874&66=30>  July 19-20, 2008 at the Joseph Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Could one good idea change your world? What about a weekend full of them?

PodCamp Boston promises to help you learn, share, and grow your new media skills. If you've been wondering how to get more involved in new media and social media, if you've thought about starting a blog, podcast, or Twitter presence, PodCamp Boston is for you. If you're a veteran adventurer of new media, come to share and learn from your peers, and make partnerships & friendships! PodCamp Boston offers something for everyone, no matter where you are on your new media journey.

Read what others have said about PodCamp Boston:

"I regularly present at 30+ conferences a year, almost all with paid staff and organizers. This conference was in the top 5 best organized out of all of those... Even now, in the weeks after Podcamp, we're all still talking about how great it was." - Jared Spool, User Interface Engineering

"PodCamp Boston was a great experience, something I would recommend to others to join and support and something I look forward to being a part of in the future." - Jeff Pulver, VON

"I had a great time today at Podcamp Boston 2, a new media expo at the Boston Convention Center full of podcasters, bloggers, and other new media folks. There was so much energy in the room - with everyone taking pictures, blogging, podcasting,  and twittering - it was reminiscent of SXSW." - Stephanie Rogers, PARTNERS+simons

Space is extremely limited. Register today!

Register today for PodCamp Boston 3! We've reserved the Joseph Martin Conference Center, which has a strict limit of 480 people. To ensure that everyone who wants to attend can, we're asking you to make a $50 commitment to the event, so we know who will be there for sure.

Register now at:
http://www.podcampboston.org/register <http://tk.publicaster.com/DC/ctr.aspx?6C6164=31383130373333&736272=68730&747970=6874&66=30>

I look forward to seeing you in Boston this July 19-20!

Best regards,

Christopher S. Penn
PodCamp Co-Founder
PodCamp Boston Lead Organizer
http://www.PodCampBoston.org <http://tk.publicaster.com/DC/ctr.aspx?6C6164=31383130373334&736272=68730&747970=6874&66=30>
http://www.ChristopherSPenn.com <http://tk.publicaster.com/DC/ctr.aspx?6C6164=31383130373335&736272=68730&747970=6874&66=30>

PodCamp Boston 3 is generously sponsored in part by:
http://www.mDialog.com <http://tk.publicaster.com/DC/ctr.aspx?6C6164=31383130373336&736272=68730&747970=6874&66=30>
http://www.BlueSkyFactory.com <http://tk.publicaster.com/DC/ctr.aspx?6C6164=31383130373337&736272=68730&747970=6874&66=30>

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.

*************************************
 
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.

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

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

Rhode Island Historical Society Library Open House

Rhode Island Historical Society Library Open House

Free and open to the public

Saturday, May 17, 2008, 1 pm to 4 pm

121 Hope St. Providence, RI 02906

What's unique about the Rhode Island Historical Society Library? On display
will be a small sampling of unusual items- 1950s photos of Eisenhower, RFK
and JFK at Quonset Point; Land divisions in City of Providence, 1790 (pencil
and ink); Memoirs of Elleanor Eldridge, a RI Woman of Color, 1842; a Letter
from Martha Washington to four RI Women, 1800; photographs of child labor at
mills in Providence, Lonsdale and Pawtucket, 1912 and more.

RIHS Library houses a broad range of materials, including rare books, early
newspapers, maps, letters, town records, architectural drawings, diaries,
scrapbooks, city directories, photographs, films and more, all reflecting
the history and the people of Rhode Island.

The Library is open to the public for research Wednesday through Friday from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. See http://www.rihs.org/libraryhome.htm for more information.

2008 Most Endangered Properties List Announcement

Please join the Providence Preservation Society, Mayor David Cicilline, and
Councilman Cliff Wood at a Press Conference to announce the

2008 Most Endangered Properties List

Thursday, May 22
4:00 P.M.

On the Front Steps of Nathan Bishop Middle School
101 Sessions Street, Providence
Near the corner of Elmgrove Avenue

The 2008 Most Endangered Properties List highlights some of Providence¹s
most historically and architecturally significant endangered buildings. With
the help of the media, the Providence Preservation Society hopes to raise
awareness of the condition of these structures and encourage property owners
restore them to their former glory.

Please direct any questions to PPS Director of Preservation Services
Sara Emmenecker at (401) 831-7440 ext. 107
or semmenecker@ppsri.org.

Go to http://www.ppsri.org/images/pdfs/48_2008_MEP_Press_Conference.pdf to
read the full press release.

*In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please contact PPS
for location information.

Archaeology Day PDF poster and schedule

Dear friends and colleagues,

The Haffenreffer Museum in Bristol, RI, is partnering with the State of Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission to host Rhode Island's "Archaeology Day" this Saturday, May 17th, from 10 am - 5 pm.  The program is as broad-reaching as the range of archaeological research currently underway in Rhode Island and promises to be fascinating for professionals and the general public, alike.
 
For directions to reach the Museum's base in Bristol, visit our website at www.haffenreffermuseum.org/directions.
 
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Best,

Kevin P. Smith
Deputy Director/Chief Curator
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Brown University
300 Tower St.
Bristol, RI 02809

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site GRAND REOPENING, May 16-17

SAUGUS IRON WORKS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
GRAND REOPENING

MAY 16 & 17, 2008

THE ESSEX NATIONAL HERITAGE COMMISSION AND THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE

GRAND REOPENING OF SAUGUS IRON WORKS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
"New Pathways to History"

_____________________________________________________
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Friday May 16th, 5 - 7pm
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Iron Pour Event with the Iron Guild
Ranger Tours
Salem Scottish Dancers

Saturday May 17th, 10 - 3pm
Ranger Tours of the Iron Works: the Forge, Furnace, and Slitting Mill
Iron Pour Event with the Iron Guild
Blacksmith Demonstrations
Colonial Games and lawn activities
Open House @ Museum and Iron Works House
Hands-on Environmental Activities
Canoe Rides
Antique Model Engine Exhibit
Live Music & Refreshments

Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy a full day of activities!

www.nps.gov/sair/

________________________

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
244 Central Street
Saugus, MA 01906
781 233-0050