DOCSLIB.ORG

July 2014-June 2015 from the BOARD PRESIDENT

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
July 2014-June 2015 from the BOARD PRESIDENT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM July 2014-June 2015 FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT This past year was one of transition and investment for the Athenaeum as we sought to revitalize this great institution and secure its future. In December 2014 we bid farewell to Executive Di- rector Alison Maxell who led the organization through a truly challenging decade. She left a lasting mark at the Athenaeum, and we are so grateful for her years of service. Alison was instrumental in the development and fulfillment of Vision 2015, the organization’s strategic plan that led us through the last five years. Since 2010, when that plan was inaugu- rated, the Athenaeum has opened its extensive public programming to the public, partnered with dozens of cultural organizations, and served lovers of literature, history, and culture throughout New England. In the fall of 2014, the board and staff began to develop a new strategic plan for the Athenaeum. We thank the many members, partners, donors, and stakeholders for their valuable input into Vision 2020. We are especially appreciative for the efforts of Stephen Coon, who led the steering committee. Board members R. Tripp Evans and Cathy Lund led a national search for a new Executive Director. Together with the board, staff, and key stakeholders, the search committee vetted dozens of qualified applicants from around the country. The level of competition for the position speaks highly of the Athenaeum’s unique place in the country’s cultural landscape, and we are thrilled that in July of 2015, Matt Burriesci agreed to become the 17th Executive Director of the Providence Athenaeum. Like any nonprofit institution with a public mission, the Athenaeum faces chal- lenges. This year the staff rose to the occasion, operating at the high level we’ve come to expect from them. Thanks to the generous support of the Champlin Foundations and others, the Athenaeum completed Phase I of an ambitious upgrade of the physical space, and many improvements were made to enhance visitor experience, increase the effectiveness of the staff, and expand access to our historic and beautiful collections. We also have to thank you, our members and donors, for the tremendous support you have shown to the Athenaeum. Together with you, we look forward to this exciting new phase in this institution’s storied history. This report highlights the operational and financial activities of the Providence Athenaeum and reflects gifts made to the Athenaeum over the 12-month period Candy Adriance July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Board President STAFF, BOARD, & CONTRACTED SERVICES LIBRARY COMMITTEES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Part-time Staff BUILDING AND GROUNDS PROGRAM SUPPORT Alison Maxell* Allen Bestwick, Technical Services Richard Congdon, chair Grace Farmer, chair Michael C. Gerhardt, interim Assistant Kristi Agniel David Berman Alayne Barnicoat, interim Kathleen Bower, Circulation Assistant Jonathan Bell Adele Bourne Kirsty Dain, Assistant Circulation R. Tripp Evans Dolores Connelly BOARD OF DIRECTORS Supervisor/Membership & Development Wendy Ingram Barbara Dunney Candy Adriance, President Associate Roger Seitz Peggy Edwards Richard Congdon, Vice President Tina Egnoski*, Weekend Circulation Leslie Myers, staff Melissa Eliot Regina White, Secretary Supervisor/Publications Coordinator Carl Farmer Grace Farmer, Treasurer Holly Gaboriault, Membership & EXECUTIVE SEARCH Elizabeth Farjanrdo Kristi Agniel Development Associate R. Tripp Evans, chair Faith Fogle Julie Andrews Christopher Garrepy, Temporary Cathy Lund, chair Ellen Goodlin Jonathan F. Bell Bookkeeper Richard Congdon Don Harper Kqantu Pareja Bent Stephen Garrepy, Custodian Mark Gim Lucia Huntley Kipp Bradford Crystal Johnson, Circulation Assistant Christina Bevilacqua, staff Emily Kugler Stephen Coon Stephanie Knott, Assistant Circulation Ken Garrepy, staff Jane Lancaster Kas R. DeCarvalho, Esq. Supervisor Kate Wodehouse, staff Lucy Ann Lepreau R. Tripp Evans Amanda Knox, Circulation Assistant Elsie Morse Holly Gaboriault Amy Eller Lewis, Circulation Assistant FINANCE Jack Nolan Mark Gim Sandy Markley, Membership & Grace Farmer, chair Ray Olson Ethan H. Kisch, MD Development Assistant Candy Adriance Lisa Popitz Allen Kurzweil Kelsey Nagel*, Membership & Stephen Coon Lynn Sanchez Cathy Lund, DVM Development Officer Mark Gim Roger Seitz Timothy Philbrick Morgan Ross, Circulation Assistant Deming Sherman Cynthia Shattuck Deming Sherman, ex officio Carol Tatian, Reference Librarian Regina White Ralph Turnbull, Custodian Ken Garrepy, staff STRATEGIC PLAN STEERING PERSONNEL LIST Nancy Whitcomb, Children’s Librarian Stephen Coon, chair Full-time Staff Assistant INVESTMENT OVERSIGHT Candy Adriance Christina Bevilacqua, Director of Jerry Dorfman, chair Kqantu Bent Programs & Public Engagement CONTRACTED SERVICES James Scanlan, chair Richard Congdon Mary Brower, Circulation Supervisor Emily Atkinson, Grantwriter Candy Adriance Grace Farmer Ken Garrepy, Business Manager Design Agency, Graphic Design/ Stephen Coon Christina Bevilacqua, staff Mary Anne Golda*, Head of Technical Website Development Grace Farmer Danielle Kemsley, staff Services Holly Gaboriault, Graphic Design Mark Gim Kate Wodehouse, staff Danielle Kemsley, Director of David Karoff, Internal Assessment Lyn Johnson Membership & Development Consultant Mary Lou Kennedy Leslie Myers, Facilities Coordinator Ellen Lynch Kinane, Internal Assessment Deming Sherman Lindsay Shaw, Children’s Librarian Consultant Paul Silver Robin Wetherill, Communications Nicky Nichtern, Graphic Design Ken Garrepy, staff Manager Pam Steager, Grantwriter Kate Wodehouse, Collections Librarian *Resigned in 2014-2015 STATISTICS ADULT PROGRAMS GENERAL Hours open (weekly): 60 Acquisitions: 2,391 Collection Size: 183,904 Total members (as of 6/30/15): 994 Items borrowed by members: 32,477 Reference questions: 134 Research appointments: 94 Children’s events: 122 Children’s event attendees: 1,267 Adult programs: 35* Adult program attendees: 2,628 Patrons and visitors served by the library: 39,501 *Note: The Athenaeum Salon was on hiatus Fall 2014. BOOK LOANS Note: The Athenaeum Salon was on hiatus Fall 2014. Exhibit Loans, Loaned Chapter & Verse. Books by and about Rhode Island African Americans. SEPTEMBER 2014 Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (10/17-1/31) Other Programs & Events The Unicorn Found: Science, Literature and the Arts. 9/20, Major Donors Luncheon John Hay Library, Brown University (3/11-7/31) Women Artists: An Untold Story, 1890-1940. OCTOBER 2014 UMass Dartmouth (4/15-5/2) Other Programs & Events Exhibit Loans, Borrowed 10/16, Contemporaries: Kick-Off Soirée at the Dean Hotel Private collector, John Chiafalo 10/22, Library Orientation, Tour, and Reception Private collector, Russell A. Potter NOVEMBER 2014 Other Programs & Events READING GROUPS 11/18, Library Orientation, Tour, and Reception Groups: 6 11/20, Contemporaries: Ath-After-Dark scavenger hunt and Paper Dolls Proj- Athenaeum Book Discussion Group (Susan Cohen, leader); Balzac & Baude- ect exhibit and conversation laire (Stephen Coon, leader); Contemporaries (Holly Gaboriault, leader); The Examined Life (Robert Allio, leader); Tolstoy, Etc. (Rhoda Flaxman, leader); DECEMBER 2014 Proust (Christina Bevilacqua, leader) Other Programs & Events Meetings: 60 12/18, Contemporaries: Behind-the-Nazo tour of the Big Nazo Lab Total participants: 210 JANUARY 2015 Other Programs & Events 1/22, Contemporaries: Jackets Required: 40 Years of Album Cover Design at RISD’s Fleet Library with curator Robert Garzillo FEBRUARY 2015 Other Programs & Events Salon 3/10, co-presented with RI Public Radio: Policy & Pinot, RIPR Political 2/6, Director of Programs & Public Engagement Christina Bevilacqua and Roundtable members political reporter Ian Donnis, political analyst Scott research assistant Jane’a Johnson on “The Athenaeum Salon: Past, Present, MacKay, and URI Professor of Political Science Maureen Moakley on and Future,” part 6 of “The Cosmology of Conversation” “Revenue and Renewal: Raimondo’s first two months in office and the 2/13, co-presented with FirstWorks: Community MusicWorks violinist challenge of balancing the state budget” Chase Spruill on the FirstWorks upcoming presentation of “Philip Glass: 3/18, Annual Meeting An Evening of Chamber Music, Featuring Composer and Pianist Philip 3/19, Contemporaries: Tour of Providence Public Library’s Inhabited Alphabet Glass and Violinist Tim Fain” exhibition with Special Collections Librarian Jordan Goffin 2/20, Bard Graduate Center Assistant Professor of European and American 3/28, Aficionado Event Textiles Michele Majer on “La Mode à la girafe: Fashion, Culture, and Pol- itics in Bourbon Restoration France,” part 3 of ‘What use is the giraffe?’ APRIL 2015 (Note: this Salon was rescheduled from April 2014.) Salon 2/27, Brown University Taubman Center for Public Policy and American 4/3, Adam Begley on his heralded 2014 biography Updike Institutions research fellow Marc J. Dunkelman on The Vanishing Neighbor: 4/10, Cultivating Collaboration: Live from the Archive, part 5 – Gamm The Transformation of American Community, part 7 of “The Cosmology of Theatre Artistic Director Tony Estrella on his research-in-progress into Conversation” radical 18th century secular humanism, Enlightenment era salons, atheism, agnosticism, and the revolutionary publication of Diderot’s Encyclopedie Other Programs & Events 4/17, Cultivating Collaboration: Live from the Archive, part 6 – RI Council 2/5, Book Launch: Allen Kurzweil on Whipping Boy: the Forty-Year Search for for the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Meet Grow Smart RI's Board of Directors
    Meet Grow Smart RI’s Board of Directors Ashish G. Airan Ashish is a former Florida prosecutor and solo practitioner. He has 10+ years of broad based legal experience in criminal and commercial litigation and in intellectual property law as a registered patent attorney. A champion of small businesses, Ashish is also establishing a tax controversy practice in Rhode Island which provides free representation before the Internal Revenue Service to returning United States combat veterans. Ashish also works at Amgen, Inc. in its Quality organization and will obtain M.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2013. Ashish lives in East Greenwich, RI with his wife and daughter. Ashish joined the Board in 2013. Susan Arnold Susan has served as CEO and General Counsel for the Rhode Island Association of Realtors since 1997, after three years as the Association’s legal counsel. The Association is the primary provider of education, communication, internet and paper forms, legal information and services and advocacy for its members and serves as the voice of real estate in Rhode Island. In addition to her legal background, Susan was a business manager and sold real estate in Washington County. Susan received her undergraduate degree from Tufts University and her J.D. from Suffolk University. She lives in Wakefield. Susan joined the Board in 1999 and serves on the Nominating Committee. William Ashworth, PE, PTOE (Bill) Bill is the Manager for Vanasse, Hangen & Brustlin’s Rhode Island office where he oversees the operations of a team of transportation, land development, and environmental professionals. He specializes in transportation planning and traffic engineering and has led these efforts for VHB’s Rhode Island office for more than a decade.
    [Show full text]
  • Universal Penman NEWSLETTER of the PROVIDENCE ATHENÆUM
    Universal Penman NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVIDENCE ATHENÆUM MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, “Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, ALISON MAXELL We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!” Humbert Wolfe Ah, sweet Autumn - colorful foliage, crisp fall mornings, warm wool sweaters – my favorite time of the year. The shift in the seasons, the hint of promised change stirs my soul…and today I am grateful. This past spring you left us spellbound by your spirit and generosity – exceeding our Annual Fund expectations and sending us into the summer with promise and possibility. In early July we reviewed final recommendations from our consultancy and received news of Christina’s fellowship. Informed by both, we made the bold decision to suspend fall programming to enable board and staff to engage more deeply in the planning process – a strategic investment now of time and talent for the promise of a future filled with new possibility. By August, the Athenaeum became center stage - transforming from library to Hollywood set to construction site as members, tourists, artists, filmmakers, and contractors came and went. Suddenly, summer slipped by, students returned, a new semester began - the hustle and bustle of Benefit Street was back - fall had arrived. Inside the Athenaeum, leaves and crushed berries spot the carpets while the familiar scent of old books suggests you are home. Depending upon the day, Mary, Tina, Amy, Amanda, Kirsty, Kathleen, Stephanie or Morgan await your arrival, ready with the latest mystery, best seller, or biscuit (canines only)! Meanwhile, Mary Anne and Allen are upstairs ordering and cataloging the next batch of new books.
    [Show full text]
  • Catherine Little Bert Bert Gallery, Inc 24 Bridge Street Providence, RI 02903 401.374.5708
    Catherine Little Bert Bert Gallery, Inc 24 Bridge Street Providence, RI 02903 401.374.5708 EDUCATION 2018, 2016, 2012 United Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Compliant, AAA 2014 Christ Church Oxford University, the Oxford Experience – Modern Art 2012 New York University, IRS Legal guidelines in Valuation of Fine and Decorative Arts 2010 New York University – Certificate Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts 2007 Christ Church Oxford University, The Oxford Experience - William Morris & the Arts & Crafts Movement 1980 University of Connecticut - M.A. 1977 Providence College - B.A. EXPERIENCE Director/ Founder/ Owner Bert Gallery, 1992-present, 24 Bridge Street, Providence, R.I. Bert Gallery, 1984-1992, Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Providence, R.I. Responsible for the management of a Fine Arts Gallery, which features primarily Regional American painters from the late 19th century to present. Consultant 1985 –present. Invited curator for exhibitions, market analysis and strategic planning for artist estates MEMBERSHIPS, and AWARDS Providence Art Club Medal, June 2017 Appraisers Association of America, Associate Member, 2010 - 2018 Providence College, Board of Trustees, 2010 - 2016 Arts & Business Council of RI - Encore Award, 2010 Brooklyn Art Museum, Brooklyn, NY – E. A. Sackler Center of Feminist Art Council, 2008 National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC – National Advisory Board Member, 1994-present; Chairperson: 2000- 2003; Collections Initiative Chair, 2005-09; Patron’s Award, National Museum of Women in the Arts, 2005 Providence Tourism Council – Marketing Committee, 2003 Celebrate Women, City of Providence - Arts Award recipient, 2002 Gallery Night Providence - Co-President & founding member, 1997- 2007 National Arts Club, New York City, New York - Member, 1998-2001 Providence Art Club - Member, 1985-1998 Providence Preservation Society - Tourism Committee Rhode Island School of Design Museum - Member, 1998-present Rhode Island Historical Society, Board of Trustees, 1999-2005; Membership Chair, 2001-2005; lifetime member.
    [Show full text]
  • The Champlin Foundation Capital Grants 2020 Grant Awards by City/Town
    The Champlin Foundation Capital Grants 2020 Grant Awards by City/Town Organization City Project Name Grant Award Area of Focus Replace A/C Unit, Front Door and Copier; Electrical Ashaway Free Library Ashaway $9,983.00 Libraries Upgrades for Community Room Tap-In Barrington Food Pantry Barrington Refrigeration $6,548.00 Social Services Blackstone Valley Boys & Girls Club Blackstone Emergency Back-Up Generating System $68,798.00 Youth Services Block Island School Block Island Towards the Costs to Create a Makerspace $16,340.00 Education Southeast Lighthouse Foundation Block Island Towards HVAC and Electrical System Installation $194,500.00 Historic Preservation Historic New England Boston Casey Farm Electronic & Security Infrastructure $22,000.00 Historic Preservation Coggeshall Farm Museum Bristol Pickup Truck and ATV $40,500.00 Historic Preservation Mount Hope Trust In Bristol Bristol Fire Alarm Installation $49,200.00 Historic Preservation Roger Williams University Bristol Mobile Computer Lab for Justice Analytics Training $30,303.00 Education Progreso Latino Central Falls Vehicle Purchase and Building Repairs $102,106.00 Social Services Cross Mills Public Library Charlestown Lighting & Acoustical Renovations $7,775.00 Libraries Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory Charlestown Primary Observatory Telescope Replacement $107,541.00 Education Chepachet Union Church Chepachet Exterior Painting $30,000.00 Historic Preservation Glocester Manton Free Public Library Chepachet Exteriors Renovation/Repairs - Chimney, Doors, Railings $9,300.00
    [Show full text]
  • MJB-RESUME.Pdf
    M A R Y J A N E B E G I N 401-247-7978 www.maryjanebegin.com [email protected] SUMMARY: • Rhode Island based award-winning children’s book illustrator and author. • 22 years teaching experience at Rhode Island School of Design, with expertise in teaching a broad range of conceptual, technical and professional courses. • 21 years experience providing presentations and lectures to schools and public organizations. • 26 years experience as freelance illustrator in a variety of Illustration industries: traditional publishing, educational publishing, character development for animation, advertising, licensing, and original art sales and exhibition. EDUCATION: RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN 1981-1985 Providence, Rhode Island Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration- Honors BROWN UNIVERSITY 2009 Providence, RI Sheridan Teaching Certificate I PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Hasbro- Three-day workshop on Resin casting and Z-Brush 3D sculpting 2010 Harriet W. Sheridan Center Teaching Certificate Program at Brown University 2009 RISD Figure Sculpting Course-Summer Studies 2008 PTFA Grant Funded tutorials on Adobe digital programs 2008 SURTEX- Surface and Textile Licensing Show- lectures and workshops 2003-2007 ICON-Illustrators Conference - lectures and workshops 1999, 2003, 2004 ALA-American Library Association- lectures and workshops 2004 1 of 11 WORK HISTORY: RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN Providence, Rhode Island Faculty- Adjunct, Senior Critic 1991-present Faculty- Full-Time, Assistant Professor-Term Position 1998-2000, 2009-2010 COURSES: What’s Your Story,
    [Show full text]
  • Universal Penman NEWSLETTER of Th E P Ro V I D En C E a T H En Æ U M
    Universal Penman NEWSLETTER OF Th E P ro v i d en c E A T h en Æ u m Message from Alison Maxell, Executive Director “Close friends contribute to our personal growth. They also contribute to our personal pleasure, making the music sound sweeter, the wine taste richer, the laughter ring louder because they are there.” Judith Viorst Athenaeum friends: YOU August ushered in new leadership. After nine years of board service, completed the puzzle, mak- during which he oversaw the completion of our Strategic Plan, ing 2012-2013 the most restoration of our financial health, major improvements to our building, successful fundraising year and expansion of our community role, Deming Sherman relinquished in Athenaeum history! Your the presidency to his successor, Candy Adriance, who inherits a strong unprecedented response pro- institution poised to fulfill greater promise. Her imperative will be to pelled us past our dual goals empower the board, staff, members, and supporters to build on this of $182,375 contributed and momentum to secure the Athenaeum’s future. 450 donors participating by With our finances steadily improving, new leadership in place, and June 30. As a group, 473 of an enhanced public profile, we look to the new fiscal year with great you gave a total of $189,479, anticipation. As you look to the fall for titles and topics to surprise a 20% increase in the number and delight, conversations to compel and ignite, exhibits to inform of donors, and a 14% increase and enlighten, your most precious gift to us is your participation.
    [Show full text]
  • This Bust Was Created in Honor of the Prominent Rhode Island Social and Political Figurehead, Judge John Pitman (1785-1864)
    George O. Annable, The Honorable John Pitman (c.1853). Marble, ​ ​ H.28in. Gift of the Friends of the Athenaeum, 1853. This bust was created in honor of the prominent Rhode Island social and political figurehead, Judge John Pitman (1785-1864). Judge Pitman secured the future of the ​ ​ Athenaeum, and inflated the growing importance of the arts in Providence, Rhode Island. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Pitman was not only the Athenaeum’s first ​ ​ ​ ​ Board President, starting in 1836, but also its longest-serving one; he would not relinquish the position until 1856. Well before his presidency until well after leaving the Board, he also served as a United States District Court Judge for the District of Rhode Island, in Providence. Appointed by President James Madison in 1824, he remained on the bench until his death in 1864. Pitman was known throughout Providence as an important patron of the arts. While embracing the responsibility of leading the Athenaeum to further development, he also helped found the Rhode Island Art association from his office at the Athenaeum. In collecting works of interest and value to the Athenaeum, Pitman demanded that they collect “all works which may illustrate the truths and exhibit the progress of 1 science and the classics of literature.” He also stated that the Athenaeum was “no place for the exaggerated descriptions, the vicious sentiments and the varnished 2 impurities of modern fiction” Eventually Pitman’s attitude towards novels changed and they were added to the collection. Pitman helped shape the Athenaeums future in shaping its collection, and gaining members that helped keep the institution’s doors open (by advertising the lower price of the Providence Athenaeum than the Boston Athenaeum.) Pitman’s rather grand portrait is the work of Providence sculptor George Oliver Annable [American, 1829-1887].
    [Show full text]
  • Catherine Imbriglio
    Catherine Imbriglio 1. POSITION Catherine Imbriglio, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Department of English 2. EDUCATION Ph.D. Brown University, English and American Literature 1995 M.A. Brown University, Creative Writing (Poetry) 1988 M.A.T. Boston College, English Education 1972 B.A. Regis College, English 1969 3. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Brown University, English Department, Senior Lecturer (2008 - ). Brown University, English Department, Lecturer (1998 - 2008). Brown University, English Department, Visiting Lecturer (1995 - 1998). Brown University Writers’ Symposium, Faculty (Summer 2005, 2007, 2008). Brown University, Continuing Studies, Faculty (1988 - 1989; 1995 - 2002; 2006 – 2010, 2012). Brown University, Coordinator of the Writing Center (1994 - 2000). 4. PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS BOOKS (POETRY) Intimacy. Fort Collins, CO: Center for Literary Publishing, 2013. (Recipient of the 2013 Colorado Prize in Poetry.) Parts of the Mass. Providence, RI: Burning Deck Press, 2007. (Recipient of the 2008 Norma Farber First Book award from the Poetry Society of America.) Numeracy. Poetry manuscript under consideration at various presses . Fragility. Poetry manuscript-in-progress. REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLES " ' Our Days Put on Such Reticence': The Rhetoric of the Closet in John Ashbery's Some Trees." Contemporary Literature 36.2 (Summer 1995): 249 - 288. BOOK CHAPTERS (INVITED) “‘Impossible Audiences’: Camp, the Orphic and Art as Entertainment in Jack Spicer’s Poetry.” After Spicer. John Vincent, ed. Wesleyan University Press. 98 – 137. 2011. POETRY
    [Show full text]
  • Universal Penman
    Universal Penman NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVIDENCE ATHENÆUM MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT CANDY ADRIANCE As detailed by Strategic Planning Committee Chair Steve Coon on page 2, the Athenaeum is moving ahead with a strategic planning process designed to consolidate the progress achieved during the implementation of our current Strategic Plan. A critical element of this work was an extensive organizational assessment of the Board of Directors and staff to evaluate our structure and current roles and responsibilities throughout the library. With this assessment complete, we have launched the search for our next Executive Director. Our timing is fortuitous. Conducting the search as we near the finish line for the Strategic Plan, projected to be complete by June 30, 2015, allows us to tie together critical elements of our strategy and direction with the most important characteristics of a new leader. The Search Committee, chaired by Board Members Tripp Evans and Cathy Lund, and comprised of members of the Board and the staff, used our strategic planning work to date as well as best practices of successful RI nonprofit organizations and other membership libraries across the country to identify the leadership requirements that will serve us well for now and into the future. At this exciting time in the library’s history we believe we will attract many strong, well-qualified candidates who share our vision of the Athenaeum as a rich library, cultural center, and gathering place for a great diversity of Rhode Islanders. The job description is now available on our website. The search will extend into the summer, past the date that Interim Executive Director Mike Gerhardt could be available.
    [Show full text]
  • Universal Penman NEWSLETTER of Th E P Ro V I D En C E a T H En Æ U M
    Universal Penman NEWSLETTER OF Th E P ro v i d en c E A T h en Æ u m PHILBRICK POETRY CELEBRATION by Tina Egnoski, Weekend Circulation Supervisor On April 25, the Athenaeum was alive with the voices of three generations of Philbricks. The 2014 Philibrick Poetry Reading: Celebrating the Lives and Legacy of Charles and Deborah Philbrick showcased not only the poetry of Charles and the humanity of Deborah, but also the wit and wisdom of a family dedicated to words. Charles was a poet and a teacher. He authored several collections, including Voyages Down and Other Poems and New England Suite: Selected Poems, which won the Wallace Stevens National Poetry contest in 1962. As a scholar and professor, he was David Burnham, Nina Rossello, Ben Philbrick, Alice Philbrick, and Luther a member of the English faculty at Brown University. Deborah Gerlach puruse the exhibit contributed her talents throughout her lifetime to help charitable organizations and mentor many of Providence’s aspiring young poets. Both of them had long ties to the Athenaeum. Charles was a library shelver in his teens and later served on both the Library Committee and the Board of Directors. Deborah was a member of the Library Committee for ten years throughout the 1970s. Deborah and Charles Philbrick In the evening’s tribute to them, the audience was treated to readings and reflections by Stephen, Benjamin, Timothy, and Harry—the four sons of Charles and Deborah—as well as grandchildren Alice, Sophie, Clancy, and Frank Philbrick along with David Burnham, who arrived from all over the country to participate.
    [Show full text]
  • Providence Athenæum Annual Report July 2016 - June 2017 President’S Report R
    PROVIDENCE ATHENÆUM ANNUAL REPORT JULY 2016 - JUNE 2017 PRESIDENT’S REPORT R. TRIPP EVANS As the following pages so clearly reflect, this past year has been one of extraordinary growth, vibrancy, and mission-driven success for the Providence Athenæum. Under the energetic leadership of our Executive Director, Matt Burri- esci, and all of the library’s dedicated staff, we’ve seen a dramatic in- crease in membership, established a new benchmark in fundraising, and, through our distinctive programming, we’ve further strength- ened our reputation as one of the city’s cultural powerhouses. Although these successes speak to what we’ve achieved in the past year, we must remember why we strive for these goals in the first place. Our mission statement declares our commitment to the phys- ical culture of books, the intellectual growth of our members and community, and the advancement of the humanities – values that, in our increasingly digital and polarized world, have become more important than ever. As an institution, we stand for the transformative power of big ideas, civil discourse, and the written word – all within the critical context of face-to-face, “analog” community. The Athenæum’s unique brand of personal engagement, whether at the Circulation Desk or within a packed Salon crowd, is about intimacy, not insularity. Our members are passionate and curious about the world outside the library’s walls – a spirit perfectly embodied by the late Sylvia Moubayed, our deeply CONTENTS missed former Executive Director, whose legacy at the Athenæum is both physical (without her, we’d have no Platner Wing) and intellec- tual (consider all that takes place there!).
    [Show full text]
  • Walking Tour of Churches on College Hill (Providence–Downtown) WORCESTER 9 9 and Proceed Onto Memorial Leicester 122 90 Boulevard
    DIRECTIONS BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR PROVIDENCE, RI Traveling North or South 190 290 on I-95, take exit 22 495 290 Walking Tour of Churches on College Hill (Providence–Downtown) WORCESTER 9 9 and proceed onto Memorial Leicester 122 90 Boulevard. At fourth light Grafton 90 Upton turn left onto Waterman Millbury 395 146 Street. Take first left onto North Sutton Northbridge Hopedale 16 495 Main Street. At second set of Mendon Uxbridge Millville 16 traffic lights, turn left onto 122 Blackstone B lac Douglas ksto ne Rive Smith Street and make CONNECTICUT MASSACHUSETTS r 395 RHODE ISLAND Woonsocket first left onto Canal Street. 102 146 Cumberland Burrillville N. Smithfield Parking lot for the Roger Williams 295 Glocester 295 95 National Memorial is on the Smithfield Lincoln 44 Central Falls Pawtucket left-hand side. 146 East 44 Providence 102 PROVIDENCEPROVIDENCE ALONG THE WAY ❑ 282 North Main Street See the exhibits at the Roger Williams National Memorial. Free. Entrance to the free parking lot is off Canal Street, a one way street, heading south. 401-521-7266 ❑ 21 Meeting Street Pick up more walking tour guides for the “Mile of History” along Benefit Street or downtown Providence, or get the schedule for guided walking tours at Providence Preservation Society. Ask for more information about the religious archi- tecture of other congregations in Providence. Terraced formal garden open. Free. What Style is That 401-831-7440 ❑ The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society has additional information about African- Church? American churches in the state. 401-751-3490 ❑ 11 Thomas Street One of dozens of Cultural and Historical Banner Trail sites, pick up a free Providence Banner Trail Guide at the Providence Art Club.
    [Show full text]