Bicentennial Poem Analysis to Capsulize Bristol’s History
Bristol, R.I.- An historic poem that reexamined Bristol’s history from an 1880 perspective will be under analysis at a close reading on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00PM at Linden Place.
Written on the occasion of Bristol’s Bicentennial celebration by Bishop Mark Anthony DeWolf Howe, the epic ten page poem chronicles the history of the town and provides fascinating insight into attitudes of the times towards indigenous populations.
In his poem Bishop Howe shows a remarkable dichotomy between his sympathetic view of the Native Americans and celebrating 200 years of Bristol under “manifest destiny,” the popular belief that the US was destined to expand its dominion across America.
The poem appeared in a 195-page volume entitled “Celebration of the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the Settlement of the Town of Bristol,” a chronicle of the events and activities of that year’s commemoration.
The poem analysis will be led by DeWolf Fulton, great-great grandson of Bishop Howe and coordinator of the Bosworth Lecture Series. General admission is $15 and $10 for members.
Joe Velleca Museum-Administrator
Linden Place Museum
500 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809
401-253-0390