The Great Hurricane of 1938 left a wake of death and destruction across seven states and particularly savaged Rhode Island. Nicknamed the “Yankee Clipper,” it became known for its incredibly fast forward speed, like the famous sailing ships. Surprisingly, no one knew it was coming and could prepare accordingly. Brass plaques in downtown Providence mark the depth of the deluge and storm surge, and horror stories about children being ripped from the arms of parents are still passed down through family lore.

This is a course about appreciating the lessons of history as global warming increases the frequency and severity of future hurricanes. We will focus our discussion around R. A. Scotti’s historical accounting of the 1938 hurricane, Sudden Sea, in the collegial setting of lunches at the Providence Art Club.

Format: This is essentially a book-discussion group held over lunch. While no formal presentations are expected, class members will be asked to lead weekly discussions about assigned aspects of the book.

Resources/Expenses: Students will need to purchase the book, Sudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938 by R. A. Scotti (available online in paperback for $10.99 and as an e-book for $2.99 and up.). Members will be expected to pay for their weekly meals using a credit card.

Coordinators: Nick Miles and Dave Evans co-coordinated a similarly structured course in Fall 2025 about wildfires and how they relate to climate change. Since joining LLC 11 years ago, Nick has coordinated or co-coordinated more than a dozen courses in theatre conversations, ekphrastic poetry, humor, and cities, among others. A newer member of LLC, Dave Evans taught science in Providence Public High Schools for 30 years before retiring.