The First Unitarian Church of Providence invites the public to experience Owning Our History, a history-focused weekend to mark publication of A Church in a Triangle, a book-length report on the involvement of early church members in slavery and slavery-related businesses that was commissioned in relation to the church’s 300th anniversary. The weekend features a powerful new exhibit linked to the book’s findings that is curated by Dr. Christopher West, founding director of the African American Museum of Rhode Island (AAM-RI). The exhibit will continue through June.

Friday, May 16

6 PM – Gala Exhibit Opening and Book Signing – Parish House Parlors & Atrium

Saturday, May 17

1 PM – Panel Presentation – “No Turning Back!” – Parish House Auditorium

Area historians and civic leaders will address the urgency of accurate history in the face of erasure and intimidation.

2:30 PM – “Haunted by History/Healing from History” – Meeting House

A two-part immersive arts experience produced by distinguished playwright/performer Rose Weaver. Part One will illuminate the lives and recover the voices of church members who purchased pews when the Meeting House was dedicated in 1816: many of them enslavers, mill owners, and powerful political figures.

Part Two will evoke the sacredness of the lives of African Americans, then and now, who resist oppression and create beauty despite the ravages of racial capitalism.

Sunday, May 18

10:30 AM – Worship Service centered on the theme of “No Turning Back!”

The book is here! Many of you have already ordered and received your copies of A Church in a Triangle: Race, Religion & Power in a Rhode Island Congregation, 1720-1850. Copies are still available, but they are going fast. History Committee members will take new orders and receive your payment for existing orders during Coffee Hour in the Atrium.

Click here for more info & to reserve a book online!

The Owning Our History project of the First Unitarian Church is generously supported by Washington Trust.