LENOX, Mass. — Join Theresa Guzman Stokes, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, when she speaks about Mary Dickerson (1830-1914) at Ventfort Hall on August 29 at 4 pm. 

 

A tea will follow her presentation.

 

Tickets are $30 for members and with advance reservation; $35 day of; $22 for students 22 and under. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/events/ or call (413) 637-3206. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.

 

According to a press release:

 

Mary Dickerson owned a "Fashionable Dressmaking Establishment" located on Bellevue Avenue, Newport RI, and created dresses for the prominent people of Newport during the Gilded Age. She was an accomplished businesswoman who parlayed her popularity and money to establish the first federation of African American Women's Clubs in Rhode Island as well as several other regional and local clubs. She was a strong advocate for the rights of women, and worked tirelessly on behalf of her race.

 

Writer, Mother, Historian, Community Activist, Editor, Feminist, US Military Veteran, and Storyteller, Theresa Guzman illuminates the complex narratives of African Heritage, Latin American and Jewish Diasporic histories.  Utilizing the tools of history, genealogy and cultural preservation the Guatemalan-heritage Stokes is fiercely committed to bringing to light the untold stories of the State of Rhode Island.

 

Stokes legacy work is as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (RIBHS).  RIBHS is the oldest African Heritage society in the United States and since 2016 Stokes has worked to stabilize and preserve the organization through fundraising, grant writing and advocacy. 

 

 The summer series of Tea & Talks is sponsored by the Dobbins Foundation.