Jamestown

The culture, history and legends of Rhode Island’s towns are rich and unique. Neighbors and friends of Jamestown bring a fresh perspective with stories that examine the Beavertail Lighthouse, Fort Dumpling, the Jamestown Community Theatre, the Jamestown Philomenian Library, the Jamestown Arts Center and more.

“Our Town Jamestown Part I” will be available on-demand on Oct. 18.

Watch the documentary on the following broadcast encore dates:

Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.
Sept. 8 at 8 p.m.
Sept. 9 at 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 at 1 p.m
Sept. 19 at 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.

About the Program

“Preserving Jamestown’s History, as told by Betsy Baldwin

Betsy Baldwin shares the Jamestown Historical Society’s story, and how this group of volunteers has preserved the island’s history.

“Five Generations,” as told by Carol Chew

Carol Chew is a fifth-generation Jamestown resident, dating back to the late 1800s. Chew shares her family’s history, the homes they’ve lived in, and the art they’ve made over the last 135 years.

“Beavertail Lighthouse, as told by Linda Warner and Leo Orsi

Beavertail Lighthouse is one of Rhode Island’s greatest landmarks. Now preserved as a museum, Linda Warner and Leo Orsi share the lighthouse’s origins and the history preserved inside the museum today.

“Discovering Fort Dumpling, as told by Sandy Sorlien

Fort Dumpling once loomed large over Jamestown, now only ruins remain. Photographer and historian Sandy Sorlien shares the fort’s history, and why she cares so much about preserving it.

“Jamestown Community Theatre,” as told by Mary Wright

When Mary Schachtel Wright co-founded the Jamestown Community Theatre, she could not believe how many people in town wanted to join. Wright shares the many stories and people she has encountered in the theater over the last 30 years.

“Jamestown Philomenian Library, as told by the Library Staff

Marking its 150th anniversary, the Jamestown Philomenian Library recently underwent a series of renovations. The library celebrates with a reopening and shares the role the library has served in town.

“Jamestown Arts Center, as told by the Arts Center Staff

The Jamestown Arts Center shares how the organization was created, and the many ways it has served the community over the years.

“Fishing Around Jamestown, as told by Leo Orsi

When Leo Orsi was growing up in New Jersey, he could not find Jamestown on a map. Now, it’s his home and the place he came to in search of the best fishing he could find.

“CISF, as told by Meg Myles

Former U.S. Olympian Meg Myles helped create CISF to help connect children to marine life. Myles, a sailor, shares her story and how she passes on her love of the sea to future generations.

“Jamestown Community Farm, as told by Bob Sutton

The Jamestown Community Farm has helped feed families across Rhode Island for decades. Bob Sutton shares the farm’s history, and the ways it’s looking to farm for the future.

“Always Our Home, as told by Art and Chuck Paine

Art and Chuck Paine love Jamestown. They lived on the island as kids, and return as often as they can. Art and Chuck share childhood stories, and why both consider Jamestown their “major” home.

“Our Town: Jamestown” is made possible by residents and friends of Jamestown and by: