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A knowledge of the history of the indigenous peoples of New England prior to colonization and the history of Providence and Rhode Island after colonization are vital to maintaining the authenticity of Meshanticut: The Tale of Masswascutt.
Timeline
Timeline
Learn about the events that unfolded in the lands of Rhode Island and the United States from the early 1500s to the late 1800s.
Massachusett men and women in the precolonial era. Photo by The Friends of the Boston Harborwalk. Artwork by Joshua Winer.
Learn about the history of Rhode Island prior to King Philip's War and the culture of Indigenous tribes.
A 1778 map of the colony of Rhode Island. Photo by Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Learn about the history of Providence after King Philip's War to get an understanding how the colonial era impacted indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Culture: Present Day Providence
"Still Here," a mural in Providence. Photo by Wayne Miller/ The Providence Journal. Artist: Gaia, G.
"Still Here," is a mural located in Downtown Providence, RI. The mural was created in collaboration with the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, RI. The painting showcases Lynsea Montanari, a Narragansett, holding a picture of Princess Red Wing.
Burr's Hill Burial Ground, Warren, RI. Photo by Sowams Heritage Area, 2017.
Located in Warren, RI rests Burr's Hill Pokanoket Royal Burial Ground. Many of those buried at this burial ground inhabited the area as early as the 1600's. Unfortunately,, due to industrialization during the 19th century, sites next to the burial ground were used for the creation of a railroad, leading to the graves being looted. With the creation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in 1990, the Wampanoag Confederation took the initiative to return the stolen artifacts and rebury them in Burr's Hill Park in 2017.
Miantonomi Memorial Park, Newport, RI. Photo by The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Tomaquag Museum, Exeter, RI.
Historically, this park was named or referred to Tomony or Wanomitonomo Hill. Located on a hilltop, it was used by the Narragansett Tribe in the 17th century. Eventually, Chief Miantonomi "gave" control of the hilltop to English colonists. throughout the 18th and 19th century, it served many purposes, such as a picnic ground. It is now protected by the Aquidneck Land Trust, ensuring the land won't be used for property development.
The Tomaquag Museum is located in Exeter, RI. Open to visitors, the organization is on a mission to educate people on indigenous culture, history, and arts. They urge their guests to connect with Indigenous culture, especially to help learn more about the issues that the indigenous community face today. The Tomaquag Museum was started in 1958 by Eva Butler, guided by Princess Red Wing of the Narraganset/Wamponoag. It is the only museum throughout RI that is based on Indigenous history, and the only Museum in RI that us ran by Indigenous people.
Sly Fox Den Too, Charlestown, RI. Photo courtesy of The Westerly Sun, 2021.
The Sly Fox Den Too is an indigenous owned restaurant located in Charlestown, RI. The Chef, Sherry Pocknett, is Wampanoag. The cuisine is traditional food, such as smoked bluefish hash and is served based on the season.
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