Faith, Family & Freedom In Early Jewish America
featuring Historian Keith Stokes
Join us for a riveting historical narrative that recounts the Jewish settlement in early America between 1665 and 1865 through the experiences of the Hays, Touro and Myers families. Beginning in the 17th century in New York and Newport, Rhode Island, these extended families continued to evolve as Jewish Americans into 19th century Boston, New Orleans and Richmond, Virginia. Discover how these Jewish families are actively involved with many of the most historic places and events in American history, including the American Revolution and Civil War.
Registration is now closed. Walk-in participants welcome.
Keith W. Stokes is a native Newport, Rhode Island resident. Mr. Stokes has served as a Rhode Island Advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation along with serving on numerous regional and national historic preservation boards including Chairman of the Touro Synagogue Foundation, Vice President & Trustee of the Preservation Society for Newport County, advisory board of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society and board member of the Newport Historical Society. Mr. Stokes has a long and distinguished career in business, history and community development, with degrees from Cornell University and University of Chicago.
Mr. Stokes is a frequent national, state and local lecturer in community & regional planning, historic preservation and interpretation with an expertise in early African and Jewish American history. Mr. Stokes has lectured extensively to regional, national and international organizations, providing training in the fields of African and Jewish American history, developing historic interpretation programs, historic main street planning and historic site recovery. He has been the recipient of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society’s Fredrick Williamson Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in Community Service Award and along with his wife, is the recipient of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities Prize for Creative Achievement in the Humanities.
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