Newport Historical Society to Host Pair of Memorial Day Events

This Memorial Day weekend, the Newport Historical Society is pleased to offer two free cultural events: a screening of the film We Took the Ferry and a concert by Newport String Project.

On Thursday May 21, 2015 at 5:30pm the Society will present We Took the Ferry: Ferry Boat Students of Narragansett Bay. From 1896 to 1969 Jamestown high school students took the ferry to Newport, 2.5 miles across Narragansett Bay. The 25 minute ride became a backdrop through which several generations experienced major historical events such as World War II and even the Hurricane of 1938. The 30 minute film, which shares oral histories of individuals who rode the ferry to school during its last 30 years, will be followed by a discussion and Q&A session.

On Saturday May 23, 2015 at 4pm, Newport String Project, a music performance and youth mentoring program, will present Iridescence, at the 1699 Great Friends Meeting House. Newport String Project directors and violinists EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Ealain McMullin will be joined by guest artists for performances of beloved and rarely heard quartets by Mozart, Ravel and Weinberg.

Admission to both events is by donation. Please RSVP at NewportHistory.org or call 401-841-8770.