The New Exhibit At This PVD Park Is An Outdoorsy Way To Explore RI History

Sure, there are the big splashy events at Roger Williams Park this fall, like their annual Jack O Lantern Spectacular, which has been reimagined this year as a drive thru experience (made sure I got my tickets last night around 12midnight when I was up late scrolling and the idea of possibly missing out put me in a mini panic), but a smaller and more low key happening centered around vintage postcards also caught my eye.

Remember the olden days when we would visit places and then send postcards to family and close friends? I mean, I still have a bunch saved that over the years were sent to me from different people in my life.

Well, their new “Wish You Were Here” experience (a collaboration with photographer Bob Martin) features a special showcase of handwritten cards from their archives on display at the RWP Museum of Natural History which reopened to the public a few weeks ago.

In addition to that, there are 19 outdoor installations around the park with reproductions of a number of antique RWP picture postcards that have been updated for our times with QR codes. (See IG photo below.)

Photo From The Roger Williams Park (RWP Conservatory) Instagram

Scan that little black and white box with your smart phone and — SUPRISE! — an image of the exact same spot where you are standing, from that very same old time-y card in front of your eyes, pops up.

It’s an ideal way to spend a mild and sunny afternoon this month, one that combines fall hiking, Rhody history and the competitive fun of searching for and finding all 19 locations and cards scattered throughout RWP.

For more information, please go to: rwpconservancy.org/historic-postcards-of-roger-williams-park/.

Thumbnail Photo courtesy of Patty J (PattyJ.com)