Story in the Public Square to receive inaugural history award

Story in the Public Square, a program of Salve Regina’s Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, will receive the Newport Historical Society’s inaugural History Starts Here Award, offered to an individual or organization who is making history now, or making opportunities for thinking about how history is important to today.

Hosted by Jim Ludes, executive director of the Pell Center, and G. Wayne Miller, senior staff writer at the Providence Journal, Story in the Public Square features interviews with print, screen, music and other storytellers about their creative processes and how their stories impact public understanding and policy. The program is available on more than 200 public television stations across the country as well as SiriusXM satellite radio’s P.O.T.U.S channel.

The History Starts Here Award builds on the historical society’s interest in how historical perspectives help us think about the present and improve the future. “Storytelling is an essential component of history, and especially of public history,” said Ruth Taylor, executive director of the historical society. “By focusing on how story impacts understanding and discourse today, Jim and Wayne are making history, and using the techniques of historical discipline to capture important work in a variety of fields.”

Founded in 1854, the Newport Historical Society collects and preserves the artifacts, photographs, documents, publications and genealogical records that relate to the history of Newport County; makes these materials readily available for both research and enjoyment; and acts as a resource center for the education of the public about the history of Newport County.