An Afternoon with Stephen Foster and Mark Twain
2-3 pm, A Family Fun Performance for All Ages by Mary King and Ed Sweeney
Musicians Ed Sweeney and Mary King use the power of music and words to transport audiences back in time to experience the beautiful melodies of Stephen Foster and the hilarious quips of Mark Twain in an Americana program that will delight and entertain all ages.
Ed Sweeney, performing on an array of guitars and banjos, honors people and their history by presenting music that entertains as well as educates. Ed has performed worldwide and his music has been used by both American filmmaker Ken Burns and Disneyland in Paris.
Playing alongside Ed on fiddle, mountain dulcimer, and Celtic Harp is the multi-talented and beloved Mary King. You’ll remember Mary from the crowd-pleasing ‘Celebrating Ireland in Story and Song’ library concerts. Mary captives audiences throughout New England with her musical abilities, warm sense of humor and lively concerts!
Tree pickup for pre-ordered trees from RIDEM in the library parking lot., 9am-Noon.
Meet the Author: Joyce Derenas , author from Worcester, MA, will offer a talk and book signing from 2-3pm. Book is titled: The Long Shot, a French Canadian Saga, Book 1. Free and open to all.
On Monday, May 20, the Museum of Work and Culture and the Woonsocket Harris Public Library invite families to discover the tough choices French Canadians faced in making the decision to immigrate to the United States, with the Decision to Leave, an immersive education program for students of all ages.
The Museum of Work and Culture – May 20th, 10:00-11:00am
Located at 42 South Main Street. The program will begin at the Museum at 10:00am, where families will gather in the farm house exhibit to engage with a living history interpreter and learn more about her family’s decision to leave their home in Canada. A Museum guide will teach participants more about life on the farm, the challenges families faced transitioning to their new way of life, and lead a discussion about what choice students would make living in those conditions.
Travel from the Museum to the Library where the program will continue.
The Woonsocket Harris Public Library at 11:30-12:30pm Located at 303 Clinton Street where families will have the opportunity to explore Woonsocket’s textile history with a sewing craft. Then join staff for a sewing craft, use the light board to trace a picture to color, explore local history websites with our iPads and using the green screen put yourself in the historical photo. Come in period dress for extra fun! Light refreshments including water & fruit will be served.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Please email mowc@rihs.org to reserve a spot for your family.