East Providence Historical Society News

“2nd Sunday” Open House: November 9 - 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 Native American Heritage Month than by stopping by the Hunt House on Sunday the 9th 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 ephist.org for further details.

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.