It’s Complicated
I watched the president’s speeches at Mount Rushmore and on the South Lawn of the White House commemorating July 4th last weekend. They were not great speeches, if I’m honest, but they have lingered with me. In his inaugural address, the president spoke of “American carnage,” and the theme of a decaying America came through loud and clear. But I was more troubled by his open assertion that the decay … Read More
Memorializing our Conflicted Past: Historic Preservation and Slavery in New England
The Pell Center had the privilege of hosting four excellent speakers on November 1, 2016. The lecture centered around the question: how do we as a nation memorialize the slavery and injustice of our past? Each speaker focused on answering this question in regards to slavery in New England. Joanne Pope Melish spoke first, describing the immensity of the slave trade in New England and describing how New England began as … Read More
Memorializing our Conflicted Past: Historic Preservation and Slavery in New England
The panel will address the following areas: • Historical Perspective on Slavery in New England- A brief outline of slavery in New England and its legacy • Preservation of slavery and post-emancipation sites and memorials – A discussion of the importance of preserving these historical places and presenting history to the public. What story or stories should be told through memorials? The debate over erasing the legacy of slavery… (Harvard, … Read More
Fall 2016 Event Series Announced
Today the Pell Center announced a wide array of events for fall 2016, encompassing topics ranging from the ethical challenges of new technologies to the history and legacy of slavery in New England. In addition, there are several events covering the 2016 presidential race. Tickets to Pell Center events are free. Please RSVP in advance for each event on the Pell Center’s Eventbrite page, as seating is limited to 100. Call 401-341-2927 with any questions … Read More