Stages of Freedom is both a museum and bookstore housed within a nonprofit dedicated to elevating Rhode Island’s African American heritage. The space features rich displays of local Black history—including photographs, archival panels, artifacts, and rare objects—alongside shelves piled with books, including vintage finds. Exhibits spotlight figures like opera singer Sissieretta Jones, artist Edward Bannister, and entrepreneur Elleanor Eldridge. Funds raised from book and art sales support a free “Swim Empowerment” program providing swimming lessons to youth of color. 
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💥 Updated Schedule 💥
We’re less than a week away from You Belong Here PVD! See you all along the Downtown Parks Loop for a day you don’t want to miss!
You belong here, Providence! Join us downtown on 9/21 for the Wayfinding Kick-Off Event ✨ Plus, Under the Radar Fest is just a week away—don’t miss out!
✨ Your Week in the Park ✨
September 11 – WBNA Concerts in the Park @ Haus of Codec
September 12–19 – Design Week RI
September 13 – PVD Walking Tour: The River at the Heart of the City
September 14 – The PVD Flea in the Park @ 195 District Park | 11AM
September 14 – West Coast Swing Sundays on the Pedestrian Bridge | 6PM
📍 Come explore, dance, shop, and celebrate community all week long in Providence’s parks!
What an incredible effort by the Century Dragon Boat Club! 🐉💙 With 25 members giving their time on land and by river, they pulled 125 lbs of trash from the Providence River and filled 12 bags. We are so grateful for your care, your energy, and your love for this community. Providence is better with you!!!
The final piece of You Belong Here: The Wayfinding System is installed. Just in time for PVDFest, downtown is ready to explore in a whole new way.
Check out the app, walk the loop, and let us know what you think. We can’t wait to see it come alive with you.
Join us for the kickoff on September 21 with free events all day in our downtown parks.
#YouBelongHere #downtownpvd
30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903