This 3 Questions Series offers the chance to learn more about board members, grantees, and longtime supporters of Rhode Island Humanities. In the coming months, we will continue to share these conversations as a window into the people who make up our unique network.
As you join RI Humanities’s board, what do you find most interesting or exciting about the Council’s work? Or what are you hoping to learn more about through your board service?
RI Humanities plays a unique role in funding small projects throughout the state, thus supporting community groups, local arts and crafts and many local history endeavors. The number and breadth of the projects and their impact on communities across the state is remarkable. I’m interested in learning about new projects and excited to be part of supporting the good work proposed.
I hope to learn more about the history and aspirations of our many diverse communities. I hope to assist these communities, particularly the most recent arrivals, to develop their sense of belonging and to build their story into the larger story that is RI. I want to know and experience what shapes their art, songs, dances, stories, plays, books and poems and to add their riches to our state’s treasures.
How do you interact with Rhode Island’s humanities and cultural sector personally or professionally? Can you share a favorite program, exhibit, project, performance, screening, or other humanities activity you’ve participated in recently and what you took away from that experience?
I have several connections that I’d like to share. In no order of priority, but just as they come to me.
1. New England antiquities farming is amazing. I work weekly as a volunteer at Coggeshall farm. I enjoyed participating in making Maple syrup at Coggeshall farm. As part of the staff, I whittled spiles to be driven into the maples and demonstrated how the sap was collected in the early 1800s. We had several educational stations on a tour for visitors that reenacted the steps in the process.
2. My daughter dances with Ballet RI. I was amazed when the Ballet company first arrived in Providence. I’m so pleased that professional Ballet and a school has flourished here and is now available for my daughter. The debut of local dance choreography pieces “Up Close on Hope” performed by the Ballet RI was RI themed. These repertory dances were inspired by local events and history. The dances and dancers were exceptional. Haunting stories were told by the rhythmic movements of human forms.
3. Literary pursuits have been part of my life. I attend many of the Providence Athenaeum programs and appreciate the collection of books, relaxing atmosphere and calm respite.
4. I enjoy the Newport Mansions as a preservation member, tour often with guests and attend their events.
5. My wife and I have been Blithewold members since our wedding there almost 20 years now. We plan to see their daffodils very soon.
6. ‘La Broa’ at Trinity was an insightful look into the many communities that make Broad street a compelling cultural district of Providence. The mix of Spanish and English was great to hear ringing so true to the reality of speech on the street as heard here and through much of the U. S. It was wonderful to see captured in a play, these everyday but remarkable stories reflecting the real lives and enterprises that have created a feeling of home in Providence for so many.
7. The Road Tour app is a guide I frequently use as I travel in RI. I found and used it before I was aware of RI Humanities. If walls could talk, what story would they tell? Just click on the Rhode Tour app to find out!
Note: Rhode Tour is a joint initiative of Rhode Island Humanities and the Rhode Island Historical Society.
What is it about living in Rhode Island that you find compelling?
Living in a small, seemingly knowable state allows you to deeply explore its peoples, histories and lifestyles which are endlessly fascinating, worthy of pursuit, and welcoming especially when hitherto unknown. Old and new parts of the RI experience emerge unexpectedly, clay shards or graffiti. The discussions and debates here are large, lively and respectful.
