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.
Watch the broadcast premiere of “Our Town: Jamestown Part II” on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.
“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.
Stories from Pt. II
“Jamestown’s Black History,” as told by Valerie Southern
Author and Jamestown resident Valerie Southern has spent years researching the history of the Black community in Jamestown from 1850-1920. Now, she has written a book on the subject, hoping to shed light on a history many have forgotten on the island.
“The Ferry,” as told by Jamestown Residents
At one time, the Jamestown-Newport Ferry was an essential service on the island. After the Newport Bridge opened, it vanished. Hear how a group of Jamestown residents brought the ferries back in a new way.
“Pandemic Paintings,” as told by Wendy Crooks
When artist Wendy Crooks set on a project to paint the residents of Jamestown, she didn’t expect it to become a way for her to connect with strangers during the most uncertain of times.
“Jamestown Community Chorus,” as told by Members of the Community Chorus
Celebrating 75 years of singing in Jamestown, the Community Chorus reflects on its origins, history, and impact on the island.
“Jamestown Community Band,” as told by Joe England
When Joe England saw the Memorial Day Parade was missing something essential, he decided to do something about it. Decades later, the Jamestown Community Band remains and is thriving.
“Out of the Box,” as told by the Out of the Box Studio & Gallery Artists
Out of the Box Studio & Gallery in Jamestown proves that art is for everyone. Meet the studio’s artist members and how it has become an inviting space for artists with and without disabilities.
“The H.P. Lovecraft Mystery,” as told by Paul Raterron
Paul Raterron grew up on another continent loving the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Once he moved to Jamestown, he felt compelled to investigate the island’s connection to the author, and one of his most celebrated books.
“Dr. Nathan Estes,” as told by Jane Estes Bentley
Jane Estes Bentley honors her father, Dr. Nathan Estes, and his life and work in Jamestown.
“Bridge Business,” as told by Joan Goldstein
The opening of the Newport Bridge transformed life in Jamestown. Its businesses were no exception. Joan Goldstein shares the history of businesses in Jamestown, and the successes they’ve found today.
“Life Before the Newport Bridge,” as told by Deborah Swistak
Deborah Swistak has fond memories of the ferries in the years before the Newport Bridge was built. She sits down with her siblings to share what life was like on the island before and after its construction.
“Fools’ Rules Regatta,” as told by Chris Powell
The annual tradition unlike any other, the Fools’ Rules Regatta brings the island’s best together in a contest for mariners and fools alike. Chief Fool Emeritus Chris Powell shares this unique event’s history.
