Italophile

Hi fellow Fodorers, I intend spending a day in Providence, but can't find any guide books here in Sydney and the internet seems full of advertisements and not enough actual information on attractions. I am a history buff but also interested in parks and gardens, as well as shopping for artisan-type objects that are particular to an area. Welcome all suggestions! Thanks in anticipation.

Centralparkgirl

The area of College Hill is historic with many beautiful, restored buildings.

http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/what...eritage-trail/

Brown University has several libraries that frequently have exhibits that relate to history.

http://dl.lib.brown.edu/libweb/exhibits/index.php

Italophile

Looks great - thanks so much Centralparkgirl!

Centralparkgirl

There was a historic walking tour that I once wanted to take. I will see if I can find info.

Also, I'm not sure where to find it, but there is a lot of interesting history about the university's relationship to slavery. Some of the founders benefited financially from the slave industry. The university in recent years did a study on it and it was quite interesting. I'll check on that as well.

lindsyb

Not sure if you'll be there overnight or just a day trip but the Waterfire show at nighttime is fantastic if there is a lighting while you are in Providence.

http://www.waterfire.org/

The RI School of Design (RISD) also has an excellent Museum of Art that you might enjoy

http://www.risdmuseum.org/

Here is the website for the RI Historical Society. They have a couple of museums and also hold some walking tours. I haven't done them myself but I have heard good things.

http://www.rihs.org/

Hope this helps!

Centralparkgirl

There are quite a few links on the site below that talk about the slavery issue and its relationship to Brown University and the research that was done. I remember hearing the professor who headed the committee talk about a meeting in a room at Brown that had a lovely, old grandfather clock that was donated to the school by someone who financed slave trade. The students and professor had such an eerie feeling being in the room with it while researching the history.

http://www.brown.edu/Research/Slavery_Justice/

Italophile

Thanks Centralparkgirl and lindsyb! We can probably stay after dark, as it looks to be very close to Boston, where we are staying.

Centralparkgirl

Here it is. You can call and find out about other tours. I would recommend a walking tour of College Hill if they offer it.

http://www.rihs.org/

If you stay for dinner, Al Forno on S. Main St is great.

Have a great time!

Centralparkgirl

Oops. I didn't notice that lindsyb posted the same info.

Providence is about 1 hour south of Boston.