East Providence Historical Society Co-chair Nancy Moore helped to launch the Sowams Heritage Area as a new preservation effort designed to identify the vestiges of the 17th century in eight communities. Project Coordinator David Weed welcomed about 25 people to the event held at the Hunt House Museum and outlined the goal of eventually developing a National Heritage Area that would connect towns from Providence to Bristol, RI. Click here for a 30-minute video of the event.

Ann Linde listens as Nancy talks about what a Sowams Heritage Area can do to raise awareness of historical sites across the eight communities.

As Nancy and then David speak, Pokanoket Tribe Members Deborah (Running Deer) Afdasta, Darlene (Mourning Star) Spencer, and Sagamore William Guy listen.

Sagamore Po Wauipi Neimpaug (William Guy) gives the history of the Tribe before Nancy and Sowams Heritage Area Project Team Member Greg Spiess ask more questions following.

Preservation Historian Bonnie Warren speaks with Professor Van Edwards while Providence College Professor Doug Blum poses a question to Nancy Moore.

Nancy asks the Sagamore a question before he responds to question posed by Bonnie Warren following his presentation about tribal history.

Niantic Narraganset Tribe Member Wayne Everett and Mashapaug Nahaganset Tribe Member Ray “Two Hawks” Watson join Sagamore Bill Guy and East Providence Historical Commission Member Steve Greenleaf and his wife for a photo as East Providence Historical Society members look on.

Click here for a 30-minute video of the event.