The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state's oldest and only statewide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island's past to enrich the present and inspire the future. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a means to develop empathy and 21st -century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center and the Aldrich House.
Description
Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Monday, October 19th at 12:30pm for the tenth installment of Liberty at Lunchtime, a monthly virtual series highlighting partners in the other 13 original colonies. The series continues with a presentation from Abby Silon, Education & Program Manager at South Carolina's Upcountry History Museum.
In the early 1900s, life centered entirely around the Mill Village—a unique, isolated culture that forever changed how Upcountry Carolinians played, ate, and lived. Explore the fascinating intersection of labor, sports, and culinary history in the Palmetto State. Discover how textile mill worker fueled their bodies during long shifts with Southern staples like bologna sandwiches and sweet tea. We will also trace the legendary rise of Brandon Mill’s own "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, whose journey from child laborer to baseball icon mirrors the grit of the workers who built the Upstate. Join us to see how the historic brick mills of yesterday have transformed into the vibrant breweries and art studios of today, proving that when you taste South Carolina's food, you are tasting its history.
Abby Silon is a public historian and the Education and Program Manager at the Upcountry History Museum. Originally from Beaufort, South Carolina, she holds an M.A. in Public History from Georgia Southern University and a B.S. in History from Lander University. She cataloged Gretsch instruments in the Georgia Southern Museum collection and worked at Clemson University on the Cemetery Hill Project as an interpreter/educator. With a background in museum education and collections, Abby is dedicated to using museums as creative spaces for community engagement and historical preservation. Her research interests include Gullah Geechee history, the Gilded Age, cemetery preservation, and Cold War diplomacy.
Date & Time
Mon, Oct 19, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM