East Providence Historical Society News

“2nd Sunday” Open House: October 13 - 1:00- 3:30pm
Exhibit: See below
Hikes at Hunt’s: NOON at the Gazebo
“Roots” (Genealogy Research): 1-3pm at the Education Center
JOHN HUNT MUSEUM - 65 HUNTS MILLS ROAD – 02916
What better way to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day (Monday, October 13) than by stopping
by the Hunt House on Sunday the 12th to see a very special Indigenous exhibit. This exhibit
includes artifacts unearthed and collected in the Sowams area and features loans from the
Warren and Somerset Historical Societies. Members of the area’s largest tribal group, the
Pokanokets, have been serving as docents and crafts people. A special thanks goes to Karen
Cahir, Elsie Morrison and her family, Harry and Lee Edmonds and the Mayor’s Advisory Council
On Indigenous Affairs for their guidance.

The entire Hunt’s Mills experience with its beautiful falls, rapids, and walking paths is a unique
family experience. Go to www.ephist.org  for further details.

MONDAY MEMBER MEETING (Public welcome) 6:30 PM Weaver Library
On October 27, Todd Baptista and Troy Rebello of TNT will take us into the world of saving
historic gravestones. Sandra Turgeon, chair of Friends of Newman Cemetery, will also be
present to answer questions and help you become involved in this project. Before this talk, you
can stop by Newman Cemetery in Rumford across from the Newman Church and get acquainted
with this first cemetery in Old Rehoboth which dates from 1643. That the City has funded such
an important restoration project speaks volumes about its commitment to preservation.

To contact the EPHS: Leave a message at: (401)473-0677 or info@ephist.org 



Now On View!!
The First Peoples of Sowams
In this 350th anniversary year of the King Phillip’s War, the Historical Society presents a July
through December exhibit of the Indigenous Peoples’ use of the land called Sowams. The Ten
Mile River area, known now as Hunt’s Mills was a First Peoples summer quarters. Artifacts as
old as 5000 years have been found on the river bank across from Hunt House. We will be
adding to the exhibit over its length but the basic framework will be Ruth Majors’ detailed
paintings, “Ousamequin” and “Winter Quarters” (on loan from the Warren Historical Society)
stone tools from the Tobey Dig at the Palmer River (on loan from the Robbins Collection at the
Carpenter Museum in Rehoboth) and artifacts from the Somerset Historical Society.
Paired with these ancient pieces will be ceremonial dress and elements made and used by local
Indigenous peoples in pow wows and events in their lives today. We are honored to have the
loan of these pieces and to work with the local tribes and councils to mount this exhibit.

Of special note: the first Indigenous interpretive sign for the 10 Mile River area is now on view
at this exhibit.