Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour

The "Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour" promises to unveil the city’s untold narratives. Offering a 65-minute journey, the tour showcases pivotal figures and significant events that have shaped Providence’s complex history. From uncovering the contributions of marginalized communities to exploring the impact of the slave trade, the tour fosters a deeper understanding of the city’s social justice efforts. With a price tag of $35 per person, this accessible tour invites participants to discover the hidden stories that have long been overlooked.

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Key Points

Explores the untold stories of marginalized groups, including Black, Indigenous, and labor communities, that have shaped Providence’s social justice landscape.
Highlights the contributions of figures like Edward Bannister, Princess Red Wing, and Maritcha Lyons, who are often overlooked in historical narratives.
Examines the impact of Rhode Island’s role in the international slave trade and the wealth generated from it, leading to ongoing debates around inequality.
Delves into the labor movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the 1902 streetcar strike, that transformed Providence’s urban landscape.
Emphasizes the importance of recognizing the legacy and ongoing influence of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Narragansett and Pokanoket tribes, in Providence’s history and social justice efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour" offers visitors a 65-minute exploration of the city’s pivotal social movements and underrepresented heroes.

Priced at $35 per person, the tour provides a compelling journey through the contributions of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, immigrants, women, and other marginalized groups.

Visitors can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour’s accessibility and restrictions, including being wheelchair-friendly and prohibiting pets, alcohol, and drugs, ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Providence

Key Figures and Events

Though largely overlooked in history, the tour highlights the contributions of several key figures and events that have shaped Providence’s social justice landscape.

Among them is Edward Bannister, a Black barber who became a nationally acclaimed painter.

Edward Bannister, a Black barber, rose to become a nationally acclaimed painter, his contributions often overlooked in history.

Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett/Pokanoket activist and educator, also played a pivotal role.

The tour examines the testimony of Maritcha Lyons, who spoke out for school desegregation as a teenager.

Plus, the 1902 Labor Strike, a significant event that halted Rhode Island’s urban core, is explored, underscoring the state’s rich history of social justice struggles.

Exploring Indigenous Contributions

As the tour delves into Providence’s rich history, it also shines a light on the contributions of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Narragansett and Pokanoket tribes.

The tour explores the pivotal role of Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett/Pokanoket activist and educator who advocated for the preservation of tribal culture and language.

Visitors learn about the Indigenous resistance to colonial expansion, including the Gaspee Affair, an early uprising against British rule.

The tour also highlights how the legacy of the Indigenous population continues to shape Providence’s social justice landscape and environmental stewardship efforts.

The Impact of the Slave Trade

Rhode Island’s role in the international slave trade significantly impacted the state’s Industrial Revolution and its ongoing social justice struggles.

As a hub of the slave trade, Rhode Island amassed immense wealth and fueled the rise of industries like textile manufacturing.

However, this prosperity was built on the backs of enslaved Africans.

The reverberations of this painful history continue to this day, shaping debates around inequality, reparations, and the need to reckon with the state’s complex past.

The reverberations of Rhode Island’s slave trade past reverberate in ongoing debates around inequality and the need for reckoning with its complex history.

Uncovering these narratives is crucial to understanding Providence’s evolution and the persistent fight for racial justice.

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Uncovering Women’s Activism

Women have long played a vital role in Providence’s social justice movements, yet their contributions have often been overshadowed or overlooked.

The "Voices of Resilience" tour shines a light on remarkable women like:

Maritcha Lyons, who at just 16 years old, testified in favor of Rhode Island’s school desegregation efforts.
Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett/Pokanoket activist and educator who championed Indigenous rights.
Countless Black entrepreneurs and artists who built thriving businesses and cultural hubs, despite facing systemic barriers.
Women who mobilized to confront the devastating impacts of climate change on their communities.

There's plenty more to explore in Providence

Immigrant Narratives and Social Justice

Though Providence’s immigrant communities have long faced systemic challenges, they’ve also been at the forefront of the city’s social justice movements.

The tour highlights the contributions of groups like Rhode Island’s African American and Asian immigrant populations, who’ve fought tirelessly for equal rights, representation, and economic opportunity.

Visitors will learn about figures like Maritcha Lyons, who testified at just 16 years old in favor of school desegregation, and explore the lasting impact of events like the 1902 labor strike that united diverse workers against exploitative conditions.

The tour amplifies these vital immigrant narratives and their integral role in shaping Providence’s history.

Labor Movements and Urban Transformation

Integral to Providence’s industrial rise and social transformation were the labor movements that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These movements challenged poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages:

The 1902 streetcar strike in Providence halted the urban core, as workers protested dangerous conditions and inadequate pay.
Textile workers in the city’s mills organized to demand better hours and higher wages, with some strikes resulting in violent clashes with authorities.
The influence of labor leaders like Thomas Wilson Dorr shaped the state’s political landscape and drove reforms benefiting the working class.
These grassroots efforts transformed Providence’s urban landscape and laid the groundwork for future social justice movements.

Navigating the Tour Logistics

To book the Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour, visitors can conveniently reserve their spot online without upfront payment.

The tour lasts 65 minutes and costs $35 per person. Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. Participants can expect to walk approximately 1 mile during the experience, which showcases pivotal social movements and underrepresented figures in Providence’s past.

The tour starts at the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge and ends at the Roger Williams National Memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Accommodate Service Animals?

The tour accommodates service animals. According to the accessibility information, pets, except for assistance dogs, are allowed on the tour.

Will There Be Any Food/Beverage Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not provide any food or beverages during the experience. Participants are welcome to bring their own refreshments, but none will be offered as part of the guided tour. Visitors should plan accordingly for their needs.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snacks or Water?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and water on the tour. The tour description indicates that no alcohol or drugs are allowed, but personal food and beverages are permitted.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is currently offered only in English. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate other language requests with advance notice, depending on the availability of multilingual guides. Guests should inquire about language options when booking the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

The Sum Up

The "Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour" offers a compelling and educational journey through the city’s diverse past. Participants can expect to uncover the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized communities, from Indigenous leaders to women activists and immigrant narratives. By exploring pivotal events and figures, the tour fosters a deeper understanding of Providence’s complex history and ongoing social justice efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here: