In celebration of Juneteenth 2026, the Rhode Island Historical Society is teaming up with the African American Museum of RI for a special edition of Black History on Providence's East Side walking tour. On Friday, June 19th at 10:30 am, RIHS staff and Dr. Melaine Ferdinand-King, Curator of the AAMRI, will explore the past of the Black neighborhoods in Providence that built strong institutions and community networks in the face of disenfranchisement and displacement. Dr. Ferdinand-King will share Black History from the perspective of AAMRI and information related to AAMRI's inaugural exhibition, Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Join us in delving into Rhode Island’s racial history, community resistance, and the shaping of Providence’s diverse demographics. From the historic neighborhoods to the legacies of struggle and resilience, this journey illuminates Providence’s Black history, honoring both the triumphs and challenges faced by its people.
The John Brown House Museum, located at 52 Power St., Providence, RI, 02906, is a museum of the Rhode Island Historical Society. The RIHS, through its collections, museums, and educational initiatives, welcomes everyone to engage with Rhode Island’s complex and significant past. Exhibitions in the JBHM include in-depth explorations of global trades such as the Transatlantic Slave Trade, China Trade, and Mahogany Trade.
The African American Museum of Rhode Island (AAMRI) is located at 500 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02904. Opened its doors with a mission to document, preserve, and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in Rhode Island and across the broader New England region. Welcome to the Neighborhood is AAMRI’s inaugural exhibition, a landmark archival and visual history of what Black Providence built during one of its most consequential periods of growth and transformation. Between 1940 and 1970, Providence’s African American population grew from roughly 6,400 to over 22,000, as Cape Verdean families, Liberian migrants, Caribbean arrivals, Ghanaian immigrants, and Southern transplants made their lives on the city’s South Side, Fox Point, Lippitt Hill, and University Heights.
The walk is about 90 minutes long, covering a distance of 1 mile along flat and downhill sidewalks. Comfortable walking shoes recommended! The tour will end at 321 S Water St, Providence, RI. Tickets cost $19 per person and include admission to the John Brown House Museum on the day of the tour.
