• News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
  • News
  • Student Life
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Athletics
  • Campus Portal Login

Salve Regina’s documentary on slave dwellings to air on Rhode Island PBS

salvetoday Posted On February 25, 2016
3


0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It

“Where They Slept,” a five-minute web feature produced by Jamie McGuire, digital production manager, has been reimagined as a half-hour special that will premiere on Rhode Island PBS at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28.

In October 2015, historian Joseph McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, spent the night at Smith’s Castle in North Kingstown as part of his continuing efforts to raise awareness of the extant slave dwellings that oftentimes exist side-by-side, or even within, celebrated historic buildings. Assistant professor Dr. Jon Marcoux and three students from the Noreen Stonor Drexel Cultural and Historic Preservation Program joined McGill and local historian Robert Geake for the overnight stay in the historic building.

“I think it’s an understatement to say that our visit to Smith’s Castle and our discussions with Mr. McGill and Mr. Geake were transformative,” Marcoux said. “There is no amount of reading or talking about a slave’s life that can compare with actually going up to the attic where he or she slept and to see the cramped, slanted ceilings and the lack of a fireplace – to leave through the hatched door that opens so easily for us but was likely secured with a heavy lock for them. The students and I are fortunate to be at an institution that promotes social justice as part of its mission. I strongly believe that this experience has inspired all of us to be even more committed to that mission and to respect and promote the dignity of the people whose daily lives we explore as scholars.”

Through a continuing collaborative relationship with Rhode Island PBS, McGuire was able to expand the story to focus in greater detail on the history of Smith’s Castle and the Narragansett Plantations’ greater significance in the developing narrative about slavery in Rhode Island. Telling the story through McGill’s unique perspective was key to the extended version.

“There are so many ways to not talk about the prominent role that slavery played in Rhode Island’s past,” McGuire said. “We’ve gotten used to looking at our history through a distorted lens that tells a story that we are comfortable with. What Joe McGill is doing is refocusing us. He’s saying to us: You’re not sure there were slaves in Rhode Island? Look, here’s where they slept. Now it’s real. And it’s uncomfortable. And that’s where we need to be.”

“These people lived a life that they should not have lived,” McGill says in the program, “but they lived the life nonetheless. A life that should not be forgotten.”

0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It




  • RSS Calendar of Events

    • College search workshop: Essay Writing Workshop
      Wednesday, May 25

      Arguably one of the toughest assignments of your educational career, join us to see how the college essay can instead be one of your favorite projects! We will go over topic selection, do's and don’ts and provide examples of essays that shaped admissions decisions. Now is the time to start thinking about your college essay, you will thank yourself come November!

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Memorial Day – No classes
      Monday, May 30
    • Virtual information session for prospective students
      Tuesday, May 31

      Meet with a member of Admissions Office to hear about Salve Regina's mission, campus life and academics directly from an admissions counselor in a group setting. It's a great introduction to Salve Regina and all the opportunities that exist for you here. 

      A virtual information session is designed for those who are in the college search and application process. If you would like to learn more about Salve Regina University and have your questions answered in a live chat, this is the best place to start. Our sessions last approximately one hour.

      You will also be able to view our virtual tour as part of your registration for this presentation. 

      Preregistration is required.

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Reunion Weekend
      Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5

      Reunion Weekend will be packed with exciting events both on and off campus. It's been too long since we've been able to welcome you to campus for a reunion celebration, so these events are sure to be worth the trip back to Newport. Return to campus and reconnect with your classmates - all alumni are welcome to attend.

      Contact: Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs
    • Last day to withdraw from Session 1
      Friday, June 3
    • State of the University
      Saturday, June 4

      Hear from University leaders the state of student life and where Salve Regina is headed. Whether you’ve recently graduated or you’re returning after a hiatus, campus has updates!
      This event will be live on campus and live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please register to receive the Zoom link for the live stream.

      Contact: Gill Goodrich
    • Graduate Admissions virtual information session: Applied Behavior Analysis
      Wednesday, June 8

      M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

      Contact: Graduate Admissions
    • Last day of Session 1
      Friday, June 24
    • Newport MFA: Conversation with Stewart O’Nan
      Monday, June 27
      Ochre Court

      Stewart O’Nan in Conversation with Ann Hood
      About his new novel OCEAN STATE
      Newport MFA guest writer Stewart O’Nan will discuss his new novel “Ocean State” with Ann Hood, founding director of the program. The conversation is free and open to the Salve Regina community and the general public.

      Contact: Tiffany McClanaghan
    • Newport MFA: Fiction reading by Tim Weed
      Monday, June 27
      Young Building

      Fiction Reading by Tim Weed
      Newport MFA guest writer Tim Weed will give a poetry reading as part of the program’s summer residency. The reading is free and open to the Salve Regina community and the general public.

      Contact: Tiffany McClanaghan
  • Browse Sections

    Salve Success

    Health and Wellness

    Mercy Mission

    Arts and Humanities

    Science and Technology

    Event Coverage

    Business and Economics

    Graduate News



Stay Updated

Latest news from SALVEtoday

 

  • Salve Regina University

    100 Ochre Point Avenue
    Newport, Rhode Island 02840 USA

     (401) 847-6650

    (c) 2022 Salve Regina University

  • SALVEtoday Archives


  • News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
Press enter/return to begin your search