Creating Community in Rhode Island

Part and parcel of the American experience, Rhode Island has created many interations of itself reflective of both its "traditional" roots and the cultures of newcomers.

Over more than 300+ years, Rhode Islanders have experienced a multitude of economic and social changes rooted in the experiences of colonialism, industrialization, deindustrialization, urban renewal, and the flourishing of the creative economy.

Through these changes, the communities and cultures of the state adapted and expanded to both preserve and create shared values, identities, and sense of community. Today, the Ocean State is a thriving mix of people--many with deep Yankee roots and many with multinational heritages and experiences. One in eight Rhode Islanders are foreign-born; 20% speak another language in addition to English.

The projects shared here highlight how Rhode Islanders have preserved and created new communities rooted in the ebb and flow of ideas, people, and power. 

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Family Stories, Family Sagas was an exhibit at the Westerly Public Library documenting the stories of 6 different New England families. Click the picture to learn more about the featured families!

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A crowd listening to and watching a speaker at the National Storytelling Conference 2001 during WaterFire.

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A moving meditation with Great Sunshine during the National Storytelling Conference in 2001.

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Opening of the film Almost Dope, part of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Project.

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Picture of DJ Buck from the Rhode Island Hip Hop Project.

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Poster for the film Almost Dope.

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The Magical Four perform at the Temple of Music. From the Rhode Island Hip Hop Project.

Creating Community in Rhode Island