Rhode Island PBS invites Jamestown residents to a special community screening of “Our Town: Jamestown Part I” on Sept. 3 at the Jamestown Arts Center. Registration for the event is available at ripbs.org. The documentary will have its broadcast premiere on Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.
Earlier this year, Rhode Island PBS announced Jamestown as the next stop for their “Our Town” documentary series, inviting residents, businesses, organizations, and students to submit story ideas and footage.
The project received an overwhelming response, with 22 story submissions. To ensure every submission is included, “Our Town: Jamestown” will be split into two parts, a first for the documentary project. Our Town: Jamestown Part II will premiere in December.
Part documentary film, community-building initiative, and fundraiser, “Our Town: Jamestown” showcases a collection of historical events, local traditions, and personal memoirs from the town.
Created through the eyes of those who love and know Jamestown best, “Our Town: Jamestown Part I” features the following stories:
“Preserving Jamestown’s History,” as told by Betsy Baldwin
Betsy Baldwin shares the story of the Jamestown Historical Society 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 search for the best fishing he could find.
“CISF,” as told by Meg Myles
Former U.S. Olympian Meg Myles, a sailor, helped create CISF to connect children to marine life. She 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 planning to farm in 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 Part I” is made possible in part by Patricia Orsi with William Raveis and The Jamestown Arts Center.
