Earlier this summer, in collaboration with two dozen local Indigenous advisors, essayists, and artists, the Little Compton Historical Society opened to new exhibits and published a book in honor of the Sakonnet Wampanoag People. Members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (and other Native communities) are invited to visit for the next two years at no cost.
Awashonks’ Garden
Awashonks’ Garden is a permanent outdoor exhibit that shares the history of the Sakonnets and their descendants from the time of the last ice age to the present day. The garden is named in honor of Awashonks, a Sakonnet sachem who led her people through the many crises of the seventeenth century. The garden features native plants, a dozen history panels, and seven works of public art by Wampanoag artists. Chief Earl Mills Jr. , and Linda Coombs were advisors on the plants to be included in the garden and both contributed essays to the companion book. Awashonks’ Garden is open every day from sunrise to sunset and is free of charge to all for self-guided visits. Native-led tours of the garden are scheduled throughout the season and reservations are
recommended. (Specific dates at www.littlecompton.org)
Sakonnet Belongings: Wampanoag Art Past and Present
Sakonnet Belongings is a special two-year exhibit showcasing the work of eighteen Wampanoag artists. Some items have been generously loaned by the artists or their families. Others have been commissioned by the Little Compton Historical Society and are now part of our permanent collection. The exhibit will also include historic works of Wampanoag art, many from Sakonnet, including stone and metal tools and decorative basketry. This exhibit will remain on display year-round through April 2027 and is available for self-guide tours whenever the Historical Society is open. The hours change with the seasons and are always available at www.littlecompton.org or by calling 401-418-4327.
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Reconnections: Essays & Art by Wampanoag & Narragansett Knowledge Keepers
A newly published book Reconnections: Essays & Art by Wampanoag & Narragansett Knowledge Keepers is the first volume in the Little Compton Historical Society's two volume Reconnections series. It features essays by fourteen local knowledge keepers on topics ranging from the repatriation of the ancestors to the appropriation of Native art. Reconnections is beautifully illustrated with the work of eighteen Wampanoag and Narragansett artists. The book is available for purchase in the Historical Society's online store and lending copies will be available at the Mashpee Public Library soon. The second volume in the Reconnections series "A History of the Sakonnet Wampanoag People" will be available in the late fall.
Sakonnet History Project
Both exhibits and the Reconnections book series are part of the Sakonnet History Project, an ongoing collaboration between the Little Compton Historical Society and Wampanoag collaborators to share the history and culture of the Sakonnet Wampanoag people. The project has been generously sponsored by over a 180 Little Compton community members and numerous foundations. Please visit our website www.littlecompton.orgor Bloomberg Connects (a smartphone app with digital guides to more than 1000 museums all over the globe) for more information, a more complete list of major sponsors, and upcoming events.
Improving Access
Access at historic sites can be challenging, and the Little Compton Historical Society campus is no exception, but in recent years they have ben working to improve access to thir exhibits and buildings. Their two main exhibit areas now have ramps. A paved path leads visitors through Awashonks’ Garden. Video tours are available on our YouTube Channel.A portable ramp to the Wilbor House Museum is available with 48-hours notice. Seating is available throughout the Wilbor House Tour. Call 401-635-4035 or email programs@littlecompton.orgto discuss your access needs before your visit. We are happy to
help in any way we can.
Digital Guide
The Little Compton Historical Society is partnering with Bloomberg Connects to present a free digital guide that makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from hundreds of museums and cultural institutions on mobile devices, anytime, anywhere.
