The Times, RIHS Member Magazine: Spring 2023

THE TIMES

CHAIR

Robert H Sloan, Jr

VICE CHAIR

Luther W Spoehr, PhD

TREASURER

Mark F. Harriman

SECRETARY

Peter J. Miniati, JD, CFP

Michael L Baker, Jr CPA

Alletta Morris Cooper

Paul A Croce, ScD

Michael Gerhardt

Roberta E Gosselin

Scott MacKay

Frank Mauran IV

Maureen Moakley, PhD

Marcus Nevius, PhD

Jeanette E. Riley, PhD

Alicia J. Samolis, JD

Theodore W. Smalletz

Stanley Weiss

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

C. Morgan Grefe, PhD

Charmyne Goodfellow, Deputy Executive Director for Finance & Administration

Richard J. Ring, Deputy Executive Director for Collections & Interpretation

Sarah Jane Carr, Director of Advancement & Public Engagement

Anne Conway, Director of the Museum of Work & Culture

Sally Meyer, Director of Education

Jerrad Pacatte, Director of Historical Research & Content Development

NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

by C. Morgan Grefe, Ph.D., Executive Director

I’ve never been one to seek out conferences. While I love the camaraderie and the chance to connect with my far-flung peers, it often feels that most of the time is spent sitting through unchanging panel discussions about the challenges our industry has faced for decades.

So, I wasn’t overly enthusiastic when I received an invitation to the Virginia 250th conference, the first national gathering of organizations from across the country to share their state’s plans for the upcoming semiquincentennial in 2026.

Virginia? Why would I go all the way to Virginia when RI has more than enough Revolutionary history? But, I realized I needed to break from my comfortable, Rhode Island sentiments of “What, you think you got something better over there?” and find a way to head down to Colonial Williamsburg

For many other reasons, though, I was excited to go to Colonial Williamsburg again. The last time I immersed myself in the experience was on my high school senior class trip. I won’t go into much detail, but suffice it to say, I have far more memories of the roller coasters at Busch Gardens, than of the historic village. This time I would be traveling with my frequent “partner in history,” Rick Ring, our Deputy Executive Director of Collections & Interpretation. When we set off on our drive my expectations for the weekend were not high, I would return unable to stop talking about a weekend that was nothing short of extraordinary.

A grand welcome by fife and drum Photograph by C Morgan Grefe

Cover: Photo by Ernest K. Thomas (18841975). Author, professor, and landscaper who, Thomas served as Superintendent of Parks of Providence and Chief of Forests, Parks, and Parkways of the Rhode Island Department of Agriculture & Conservation. He was at the forefront of the School Garden Movement in Rhode Island

You’re probably thinking, how could a rout history conference be extraordinary? Easy significant funding for Virginia’s 250th commission and the all-out, over-the-top hospitality of Colonial Williamsburg.

Unlike your typical banquet chicken, our fi night included a five-course meal, served f style, consisting of period recipes from Jefferson’s collections We were also welco by Colonial Williamsburg’s Foundation’s C Carly Fiorina, better known as the first fem CEO of Hewlett-Packard and former presidential primary candidate.

The next day we heard from experts who h been surveying and assessing the American public about their feelings on the impendin anniversary, as well as leaders of museums sites related to the Revolution. We then w on special private tours with CW staff and trustees.

Saturday night’s programs, however, made everything else look like child’s play The guests met in the hall of the Williamsburg Lodge and processed to the Governor’s Palace accompanied by a fife and drum corps. Upon arriving at the palace, there were more musicians and lighted braziers guiding us in. We proceeded through the palace and into the gardens where we were met by a young “Jefferson” and other interpreters, as well as a tent for 400 in which to dine. Again, we were treated to another historically-inspired meal,

historic sites and museums

After dinner, not quite sure what could be better than what had just happened, we went back into the garden and there began a private fireworks display for our group. While we had all been chatting in small groups, we now fell silent and took in a truly remarkable display and as I stood there I realized that while I often feel appreciated for what I, we do, I rarely feel celebrated. That night, I did.

The celebratory air had stilled the next morning, and as we all reckoned with eating so very much food, we heard from retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and Jeffrey Rosen, the President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and Georgetown Law professor who is currently writing a book on the enlightenment ideal of happiness.

Preparing for the fireworks Photograph by C Morgan Grefe

"...and as I stood there I realized that while I often feel appreciated for what I, we do, I rarely feel celebrated. That night, I did.

- Morgan Grefe

There were other meals and talks, including a wonderful session during which we heard about what is happening, or not, in other states–35 of which have commissions.

The final program of the weekend required us to go into the village and hear from Richard Henry Lee. While Rick and I were going to leave early because of the very long drive in front of us, Rick indulged me when I asked to attend this final spectacle I am so glad I did Lee delivered an impassioned speech about the need to form a committee of correspondence in March of 1773. What was the impetus, you ask? It was the burning of the British revenue Schooner, the Gaspee, in the waters off of Rhode Island. The denial of due process and the treatment of the accused assailants could not stand, he contended, and when they received verification from Sam Adams that the accounts written in the Virginia Gazette were true, the leaders of Virginia were moved to act.

In a brief moment of glory, the folks from Massachusetts patted me on the back. Even some of the trustees congratulated me. For what happened 250 years ago? No, for our work to make sure that we always strive to understand the complexity of the past–that for every event that is remembered and commemorated throughout the country, there were dozens of actions that occurred on a smaller stage, but still had ripples It was not one monumental act that led to the revolution, but rather many small acts that demonstrated and catalyzed the radicalization of the colonists and emboldened them to act on a larger stage.

This “Common Cause for All” was not a call for Revolution 250 years after our first one. No, these were folks focused on bettering the nation through civic and historical engagement, not war. This time, the common cause was to seek ways to tell a fuller story, one that doesn’t simply celebrate the pastness of the past, but rather examines the promises of the earlier days and shows how our work is still needed if those original vows are ever to be fulfilled

For more information about Rhode Island's plans for the semiquincentennial visit

rhodeisland250.org

by Anne Conway, MoWC Director & Deborah Krieger, MoWC Exhibit & Program Coordinator

Mishpakha: Jewish History of Woonsocket is the latest exhibition in the Museum of Work & Culture's gallery. Developed by Exhibit & Program Coordinator Deborah Krieger and supported by volunteer research assistant Kathryn Sos-Hayda, Mishpakha explores stories from Woonsocket’s Jewish community, sharing and celebrating local narratives of worship, entrepreneurship, and social life.

The exhibit takes its name from the Hebrew word that translates to “family,” but Mishpakha means much more than biological families and blood relations. Rather, it can be thought of as “kin” -- those who are part of our community, our closest friends, those we can count on for anything, and the kind of people we want to have at our table to celebrate the coming of the new year.

Beginning in the 1860s with a German-born peddler, Woonsocket soon became a hub for Jewish immigrants in Northern Rhode Island, boasting a thriving Jewish population of over 200 families. By most accounts, they were a tight-knit group that was a crucial thread of the fabric of the bustling textile city. Jewish-owned businesses occupied every aspect of Woonsocket life from kosher delis to mills.

Woonsocket’s Jewish community struggled to become part of the tapestry of the city of FrenchCanadian Catholics and other immigrant communities, facing prejudice and intolerance from those who saw difference as a threat.

Despite these difficulties, over one hundred Jewish Woonsocketers served their country in both World Wars, with their families volunteering on the homefront.

Due to the deep ties they had to each other and their heritage, as well as their faith, the Jewish community persevered and was ultimately welcomed, creating something certainly worth celebrating and remembering

It was this spirit that Krieger hopes the exhibit, which will be on display through August 26, captures After months of interviews, writing, and designing the exhibit, she is excited that the moment has arrived when others can see the stories that have been inspiring her for themselves

"Growing up Jewish in Los Angeles, I always felt surrounded by a visible and vibrant community," said Krieger "In Woonsocket, the history of the Jewish community is much less well known, but Jewish residents of the city were incredibly vital to Woonsocket's development over the twentieth century I wanted to share stories from this wonderful, tight-knit group--this 'mishpakha,' this family ”

Roughly pronounced “meesh-paKHA,” with a guttural sound in the back of the throat on the “kha"

Sadwin Brothers' store on Main Street, with Louis and Morris Sadwin. Photo Courtesy of Woonsocket Historical Society

RHODE ISLAND’S BITTERSWEET PAST WITH SUGAR

by Richard Ring, Deputy Executive Director for Collections and Interpretation

Members will notice an increasing number of programs and initiatives at the RIHS oriented towards the year 2026, which marks the “semiquincentennial” of the United States of America (or more simply, “America250”). Because Rhode Island began commemoration for the 250th last year, we have dedicated a gallery in the John Brown House Museum to a new annual display related to Rhode Island’s road to Revolution. This endeavor began last June, with The Gaspee Legacy: Resistance or Treason?, which chronicled the events leading to the burning of the Gaspee, as well as its lasting impact.

This year’s exhibit, Bittersweet: Sugar's Sticky Road to Revolution, which opened in the last week of May, explores Rhode Island’s complex relationship with sugar in the colonial period.

Sugar, molasses (a by-product of the sugar refining process), and rum (distilled from molasses) were among the major commodities that drove the Atlantic world economy from the sixteenth century through the eighteenth century. The trade in sugar and its related products were central to the West Indies trade and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Thus, they were of overwhelming influence in the economy of Rhode Island. In short, the Rhode Island economy relied on sugar. The burning of the Gaspee would not have happened without sugar. Would Rhode Island have been so eager to join the Revolution without this bittersweet commodity?

The exhibit, which will be on display through the end of the year, offers visitors the chance to view objects, maps, and documents related to sugar production, trade, and consumption from Caribbean plantation to the colonial table and shows the link between this system and Rhode Island’s entry into the American Revolution.

"It's remarkable that when you start digging into the history of sugar you see that this product, one that we take for granted and consume every day, has such a long and difficult history and is so intertwined with Rhode Island and the Revolution," says Education Director Sally Meyer. " We hope the exhibition demonstrates that almost everyone living and working in Rhode Island was bound up in the sugar and slave trade. When that trade was threatened by taxes and restrictions, Rhode Islanders rose up and fought back."

Demijohn (French, ca 1750) These generally hold 5 to 10 gallons and are used to transport rum, wine, or other spirits

“I know not why We Should blush to confess that Molasses was an essential Ingredient in American independence. Many great Events have proceeded from much Smaller Causes."

-- John Adams to William Tudor, Sr. August 11, 1818

by Sally Meyer, Director of Education

On April 1, the RIHS hosted Rhode Island History Day (RIHD), the 40th Annual Affiliate Contest for National History Day (NHD). For the second time, we hosted our state contest at Toll Gate High School, and we are so grateful for their support. Each year, the contest welcomes middle and high school students from across the state to share individual or group projects, including exhibits, websites, documentaries, papers, and performances This year’s state contest boasted 84 projects developed by 138 students at 19 schools, with even more students participating in school-level contests.

This year's annual theme, “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas,” gave students the opportunity to explore the meaning of the word “frontier," both

Topics ranged from journalist Nellie Bly's life to the microwave oven's invention and just about everything in between.

Senior Individual Website 1st Place Winner Hannah Chasse's project delved into the life and experiences of mathematician Katherine Johnson, one of the “Hidden Figures” of the space race Chasse explored not only the traditional “final frontier” of space, but also Johnson’s crossing of racial and gender barriers She noted that her project “allowed [her] to demonstrate [her] skills in writing, research, and innovative thinking.” Her teacher, Dr. Thalia Wood, who facilitated the hosting of RIHD at Toll Gate High School, shared, “Having worked with students and teachers for thirtythree years on National History Day entries, I have never wavered in my belief that this experience helps our students develop outstanding skills that can be transferred to so many other areas of inquiry.”

This year’s contest was a great one for teachers, as well. Two Rhode Island teachers were nominated for the Patricia Behring NHD Teacher of the Year, a national award with a $10,000 prize Nominee Michael McNamara from Ponaganset High School said, “This was a special year It's been a crazy few years in education, so this is a great reminder that the good work is being seen.” Fellow nominee Julie ConnorsCostello from Winman Middle School is “incredibly proud of Warwick's students and their dedication to quality research and project presentation.”

The top two students in each category will move on to the national contest in College Park, Maryland in June.

Rhode Island History Day student with project

Photograph by Connor Mathis

FLAGGED FOR CREATIVITY

RECONSIDERING TEXTILE PHOTOGRAPHY

by Richard Ring, Deputy Executive Director for Collections and Interpretation

While only a small selection is on display, the RIHS holds an impressive textile collection, which numbers over 4,000 pieces and includes coats, dresses, handkerchiefs, quilts, hats, uniforms, gloves, banners, samplers, and material fragments of all sorts, to name a few Recently, two researchers came to look at quilted petticoats, and not only did this opportunity help their work, but it also educated us about aspects of our collections and led us down a path to make more of our textiles accessible online.

The researchers who visited us in November of 2022 were interested in the detailed artistry and imagery among our quilted petticoats. They needed high-resolution detail photos of the elaborate stitching and decorative design motifs for a publication But our normal studio setup (placing the petticoats on mannequins) was not sufficient they needed the garments spread and flattened out so that they could take the images and trace out the stitching.

Our Imaging Specialist, photographer J D Kay, determined that he needed to shoot them from above, so he devised a special rig for the job and commandeered the Washington Wallpaper Room in the John Brown House Museum to get the job done.

Once the petticoats were photographed, RIHS Cabinet Keeper Dana Munroe suggested taking advantage of the setup to photo-document our flag collection, since flags are often so difficult to photograph for the same reasons. And so, over three days of shooting in December, J.D. took 367 photographs of 44 items, all of which have also been rehoused. We hope that you will be able to see them all, but for now, here are two to whet your appetite

Special photograph rigging in John Brown House Museum Photograph by JD Kay

Fun fact: Our collection includes over 120 flags and banners.

Second, is a rare twelve-star Confederate flag (stars and bars), from 1861, the gift of Mrs. Edgar Sayles Potter in 1965. One source claims that the 12-star version is a naval ensign, and not the official flag another says that it was used by Nathan Bedford Forest, who swore not to include the star for Georgia, "as long as a Yankee remains on Georgia's soil." Potter donated the flag to the RIHS just after her husband's death, with the notation in the accession book of “found in a barn in Chepachet.”

First, we have the Lincoln and Hamlin presidential election political banner, ca. 1860, which was a gift from Mr. Stuart Coleman in 1961. This was likely made during Lincoln’s second of three visits to Rhode Island, when he was a member of the newly formed Republican Party, campaigning, and visiting his son Robert Todd who was, at the time, a student at Phillips Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire.

When asked about his experience photographing the flags, Kay said, "Photographing the flags, many of which are very large, was an exciting challenge. While using an overhead system seemed to make the most sense, it was not something we'd done before, so there were definitely technical issues that needed to be worked out. It was quite rewarding when the pictures started coming in and we were able to see some great results! We now have high quality images of flags that had never been photographed before. What we learned along the way will also help us when we revisit photography of large textiles going forward."

Thirteen Star United States Flag (ca 1860) Gift of Mr Stuart Coleman

Twelve Star Confederate Flag (1861) Gift of Mrs Edgar Sayles Potter

GET TO KNOW: THE EDUCATION TEAM

We are excited to have two new staff members who have been doing incredible work to support teachers and students around our state. Our new Director of Education, Sally Meyer joined us in December from the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, while Education Manager Michelle Walker who began with the RIHS last July, transitioned into this new role after years of teaching in the classroom. Together they bring vibrance and passion to this essential area of our work.

Sally Meyer, Director of Education

You came to the RIHS from Virginia. What similarities and differences do you see between the work you did in Virginia versus what you are doing now in Rhode Island?

Meyer: My previous work was focused more on art and outdoor programs. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia includes a historic house, seven acres of gardens, history and art galleries, and a network of hiking trails. However, I was able to make use of my passion for history and introduced several program series that made use of the MSV's collection of historic objects including a "Lunch and Learn'' series, "History in the Kitchen," and programs focused on LGBTQ+ history No matter the topic or subject, I love any opportunity to

engage in object and inquiry based learning with students, teachers, and general visitors-something I get to do even more at RIHS!

How do you see the changes coming to the John Brown House Museum affecting the education work the RIHS does?

Meyer: The coming changes to the interpretation at the John Brown House Museum will help us to better serve student groups and general visitors to the museum by exploring topics and themes like histories of trade, life in the early Republic, and the history of the slave trade in a more focused way. Students will be able to look closely at objects and learn about the experiences of a broader base of people who have called Rhode Island home.

Director of Education Sally Meyer and Education Manager Michelle Walker

What do you see as the role of education within the larger mission of the Historical Society?

Meyer: Education is central to the mission of the Historical Society! We honor Rhode Island's past by interpreting and sharing history with visitors and learners of all ages every day through school programs, tours, exhibits, online resources, and serving as the affiliate for National History Day.

Michelle Walker, Education Manager

How does your time as a teacher influence how you approach the Education Manager position?

Walker: When I accepted the Education Manager position, my mission was to try to make all of our existing resources as user-friendly and accessible as possible for teachers of all age groups and to do the same in the development of new resources. I think having been in the classroom, I have a working knowledge of what works and what does not work, as well as what conditions our teachers are working under Teachers today are overloaded and do not often have the time or support to research or create lessons and units from scratch. I want our website to consist of quality, ready-to-use resources that teachers can trust and rely on. Most of all, I want teachers to know that I empathize and have their backs

You recently finished your first time going through National History Day with the RIHS. What did you learn from the experience?

Walker: I learned so much! I had been a History Day teacher for many years, but seeing the process of what goes into putting a contest together and running it on that day is a TOTALLY different animal! There are so many logistical elements that

go into planning, recruiting schools and judges, organizing, and training. All of these small actions behind the scenes ensure a smoother contest and a more enjoyable experience for all. We used the advice of veteran coordinators and what we learned from judging in the neighboring states of Connecticut and Massachusetts to inform what choices we made There were, of course, bumps in the road. However, now we know what we did not know and how we can improve next year. Flexibility and an openness to learning are key!

What is your approach to reaching students and teachers in this role?

Walker: Communication is key We typically send Teacher e-blasts once a month that contain free professional development and student resources and opportunities. I have developed and offered teacher workshops concerning History Day and The Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program that are practical for teachers to expand their curriculums. I make myself available to confer with teachers and students to offer troubleshooting, research and curricular assistance both in person and through Zoom. In creating content and planning for our summer History Camps, I facilitate personal connections between students and history so that it is alive and relevant to them in their daily lives. This job has been such a gift in that it enables me to continue sharing my love of history and education in a new way and a wider scope