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African American Museum

& Bookshop

Open Wednesday-Friday 3-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm

To arrange a special tour, email

 StagesofFreedom@aol.com

During the pandemic, we worked diligently to flip our floor plan, so that 80% of our space is now devoted to an African American Museum, the only one of its kind in the state. In it, we tell the remarkable stories of Black excellence and accomplishment in Rhode Island, unlike those any elsewhere in the country, through exhibits, videos and compelling artifacts.   

 

Our exciting non-profit book & gift shop, supporting free swimming lessons for Black youth, is integrated into the museum, creating a unique synergy of missions: Rhode Island African American history and saving lives.

 

Never has there been a more important time than now to elevate and illuminate Black lives. 

 

You can be part of this history-making undertaking by donating:

$100 will put your name on our

donor wall.

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"As I walked through the museum at Stages of Freedom in downtown Providence, I felt a great sense of pride and appreciation to see the beautifully displayed exhibits of Rhode Island African American history.  I remember when Stages of Freedom was a dream. It means the world to me to see the dream come to fruition in such glorious ways! I will return again and again as it continues to grow. Congratulations Stages of Freedom!"
                                                                   —Rose Weaver
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Our Donors

Papitto Opportunity Connection

Champlin Foundation

Textron Charitable Trust

Kenney Brothers Foundation

The Rhode Island Foundation

Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund

Frederick R. Mattis & Sandra Williams

Vincent J. Buonanno, Jr.

Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund

Washington Trust

Berry Murray

Jennifer Turner

Dan & Susan Shedd

Richard J. Medicke

Michele & Paul Verduchi

William J. Trezvant, Esq.

Rose Weaver

Alexia Gordon

Elizabeth Francis

Chris Johnson Foster

Terrence Green

Mildred Nichols

Paula Poole

Dan Mitrovic

Joyce O'Connor

Nancy Davis

Daniel Blackford

Maia Farish

Sheryl G. Mason

Gretchen McCrae

Mary Johnson

Tommy O'Connor

Albin S. Moser

Hon. Kenneth Reeves

Brett Smiley

C. Morgan Grefe & Gage Prentiss

Dr. Richard Lobban

Gonzalo Cuervo

Lease  Plimpton

Nicholas Hemond, Esq.

Bonnie & Guy Buzzell

William Trezvant. Esq.

Matthew A. Lopes, Jr., Esq.

RI Democratic Party

Kathleen E. Jellison

Charles Roberts

Hon. Stephen J. Fortunato, Jr.

John & Karen Muggeridge

Luis Manuel Estrada

Hon. Harold & Dayus Metts

Rochelle Lee

 Scott Molloy

Maryann & Kevin Mathews

Hon. Jose F. Batista

Barbara Sokoloff

Dr. Herbert Rakatansky

Duane Clinker

Charette High School

Joanne Pope Melish

Robert H. Maloney & Eunice Montalvo

Martha E. Stone

Judy Barrett Litoff

Dylan Molho   

Eric Hirsch

   Robert Whitcomb 

Michael Araujo & Elizabeth Haller

Robert Russell

United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

David P. Riley

William Harley & Debbie Block

Mohamed Ali

Hon. Nirva LaFortune

Van Liew Trust

David and Mimo Riley

Kenneth Nordstrom

Jeffrey & Christie Toth

Betty Rickman

Karen & David Parker

Polly Hutcheson

Nancy Davis

Robert & Elizabeth Kenner

Elizabeth Lupien

Jennifer Foster

Toby Ayers & Donald Keefer

Luis Peralta

Ruth Taylor

Joan L. Richards

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