Explore Fox Point, Meet Jane Jacobs, and Co-Lead a Walking Conversation
Class | Registration opens 1/27/2025 9:00 AM
NOTE: Class members need to be able to walk in an urban setting where sidewalks and pathways may be uneven. One goal of this class is for members to co-lead one public walking conversation in a festival called Jane’s Walk on May 2-3. Before registration, please check your calendar to confirm that you can participate in the festival on those dates.
Do you know the Fox Point neighborhood in Providence? Waysides in India Point Park and murals along Wickenden, Brook, and Gano Streets tell part of the story. More can be told in the stories of the Irish, Portuguese, Cape Verdeans, and Azoreans who have lived and worked here since the 19th century. Fox Point is the kind of urban neighborhood that journalist and city activist Jane Jacobs championed in the 1960’s and 70’s. Since 2007, her work and writing have been celebrated in cities worldwide during the first weekend in May when “walking conversations” take place. Providence is one of those cities. And you can be part of those conversations. In this class you will explore Fox Point’s 18th-21st century history, and, with classmates, you will learn how to facilitate a walking conversation – the kind that Jane Jacobs always envisioned.
Format: Classroom discussion; guest lectures; walking conversations in Fox Point.
Resources/Expenses: Coordinators will recommend websites, YouTube film and bibliography (books can be found in local libraries and on Amazon).
Barbara Barnes
Barbara Barnes is a retired Tourism Services Manager at RI Historical Society who has led walking tours in Providence for over 30 years. She has been a class coordinator, committee leader, and Board Member at LLC for many years.
Gayle Gifford
Gayle Gifford is a library enthusiast and long-time Providence resident. In addition to working with libraries and other community nonprofits through her consulting, Gayle teaches workshops throughout New England and taught for over a decade at Brown University in the Master of Public Humanities Program.
Beverly Pettine
Beverly Pettine is a retired elementary school teacher.