Art: Edward Mitchell Bannister, Boston Street Scene, Wikimedia Commons
Some years ago, a friend who creates exhibits opened a highly successful one on black entrepreneurs in 18th and 19th century New England. In the process, she made the acquaintance of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. The society lent her exhibit some materials from its collection, including mementos of the painter Edward W. Bannister: a portrait he did of his wife, Christiana Carteaux Bannister, an original brochure for the nursing home that she helped found.
My friend has kept in touch with the society, which is how I learned about the two adorable-sounding events for children below.
“Join the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society at the Old Brick Schoolhouse in Providence for the annual Boys’ Bow-Tie Event [on May 3, 10 a.m.-12 noon]. The Boys’ Bow-Tie Event is a chance for boys ages 6-12 to learn to tie a bow-tie and a number of other useful skills to know as they transition into young adulthood. Attendees will be instructed by Casby Harrison, Esq., and other mentors on how to properly shake hands and introduce themselves in public. Attendees are asked to wear a collared shirt. Refreshments will be served during the event. All participants get a free bow-tie for attending!” Sign up at EventBrite, here.
And for the young ladies: “Join the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society at the historic Governor Lippitt House on Hope Street in Providence for the Girls’ Tea Party [on May 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.] Girls will be instructed on how to take tea and learn the basics of social etiquette. Mrs. Christiana Bannister, abolitionist and businesswoman, will also share stories of historic Black women in RI. All Participants will receive a complementary vanity mirror for attending!” Go to EventBrite, here.
Both events are free to attend. “If you would like to sponsor a child for the event by covering the cost of tea and vanity mirrors [or bow ties], you can do so with a donation to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. The cost to sponsor one child is $15. Please use the donation form [at EventBrite] or send a check to 123 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903.
“The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society was founded in 1975 with a mission to preserve three centuries of African American history in the state. The Society has amassed an invaluable collection of artifacts that documents African Americans’ achievements in military service, business, politics, the arts and education. The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society encourages and promotes the study of African American history by hosting tours, lectures, and exhibits for the general public.”
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