January 31 Charlestown Historical Society features talk by Narragansett wampum artist Allen Hazard

 

Charlestown Historical Society Winter 2026 Happy New Year, may it be a healthy and productive one for you and your family! As we rang out 2025 in December, we shared a wonderful evening at the CHS Museum with visitors from around South County during Charlestown's Holiday Ramble. As we ring in the new year, please join us for an unforgettable presentation followed by some light refreshment and a brief annual meeting for all who wish to join in afterwards. Narragansett Allen Hazard Shares the Art of Keeping a 4,500 Year Old Tradition Alive January 31, 2026 - 1:00 PM Cross Mills Public Library  Most of you may have heard of the Purple Shell located at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory in Charlestown where owner Allen Hazard can be found crafting beautiful wampum jewelry. But how many of us know the true history and meaning of this ancient art? The Narragansett, along with many Indigenous people living along the New England coast, had robust wampum traditions. "The Narragansett were the best" says Allen. Featured in a recent RI PBS documentary, Allen is widely regarded as an expert in this ancient craft. Please join us for this remarkable presentation on January 31st.  An Ancestral Visitor Comes Back to Charlestown Imagine coming back to a land where your 8th great grandfather was born here 285 years ago, only three years after the founding of Charlesown. He built his home, farmed his land, became active in the local government and then became a captain of the local militia and fought alongside his men in state-wide battles during the Revolutionary War. Then imagine standing inside that home and feeling the presence of your ancestor, his family and their daily lives. That's exactly what Alan Greene and his wife Jeanie did this past September here in Charlestown. The Greenes traveled from their home in Roseville, California to seek out Alan's roots. CHS was grateful to share their experience as well as records of Capt. Amos Greene's life and history. Coming in March 2026, there will be more about the Captain in the CHS annual newsletter and his contribution to our country's infancy. Below, Alan stands beneath the Amos Greene plaque on the corner of his original family homestead. The home and property are owned by the Ricci family, members of the CHS. This historic property is now protected under a conservation easement with the Charlestown Land Trust. Charlestown's 250th Committee has a host of special events planned for the 2026 year ahead. Included in the festivities is a special appearance by General George Washington on Flag Day, June 14th, at the Gen. Stanton Inn with Revolutionary War demonstrations, children's activities and an inspiring fife and drum corps presentation. There will be Memorial Day Parade festivities, a time capsule dedication, Fourth of July fireworks, a local historical bike tour, children's theater presentations, a town-wide historical scavenger hunt and a sunset cemetery tour in the Cross Mills Common Burying Ground planned for all to participate in. Stay tuned to the Charlestown town website and local announcements so you don't miss out on the celebrations! We hope to see you there!  Visit our website Email Us

Charlestown Historical Society | P.O. Box 100 | Charlestown, RI 02813 US