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| By Dan Cooper Staff Intern HOLYOKE This June, Wistariahrust Museum is celebrating the history of Puerto Ricans in Holyoke, with the help of YouthBuild Holyoke and a grant from The History Channel. The exhibit kicks off on June 2 at 12 p.m. in Wistariahurst's Music Room and features the instruments of local artist William Cumpiano. Guitarist and composer Jose Gonzalez will play with music group Criollo Clasico from 1 to 3 p.m. In addition to the music, the Save Our History group will present a check to Wiatariahurst and YouthBuild at 2 p.m. with Mayor Michael Sullivan in attendance. Thibodeau said the large exhibit will feature the music and culture of Puerto Rico, a look at the history of the island, art, instruments, food and documentaries about it. "We've been planning this event for about a year, since late last summer," Wistariahurst curator Kate Thibodeau told Reminder Publications. "YouthBuild came to us and said they wanted to preserve Puerto Rican history in Holyoke, since there wasn't a lot kept. "We received a grant from the Save Our History fund from The History Channel for $10,000 and starting getting the program organized," she said. YouthBuild is an organization dedicated to helping low-income young men and women learn job skills and obtain a GED, among other things. "They found the grant from The History Channel and came to Wistariahurst because a historical institution was needed to secure it," Thibodeau explained. Thibodeau said the exhibit will also tour, although not in full. "It's going to tour in pieces, since the full exhibit is too large." Thibodeau said places the exhibit will tour include the Holyoke Public Library and the Chicopee Village, located in the Willimansett area of the city. She said as of now, the exhibit is not scheduled to be an annual event. "It is just too large to be yearly," she said. "Although parts of it we hope to bring back annually." Thibodeau said the event is free and open to everyone, not just Puerto Ricans. From June 6 to 8, Wistariahurst will host a workshop on the history of Vigigante masks in Puerto Rican culture. Angel Sanchez Ortiz will host the workshop, which will also give the public a chance to make their own paper machete masks. The event is free but space is limited and will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Vigigante masks are used to perform religious and secular rituals. The Puerto Rican masks are a blend of African, Spanish, and native Taino cultures. Masks often represent gods, ancestors, animals or historical figures. Also on June 6 is a digital project focusing on Latinos in Holyoke. Families can bring in their pictures and share their stories. The event will also run from 4 to 6 p.m. Following the digital project will be a roundtable discussion on Latino identities in Holyoke, hosted by Ginetta Candlario, a professor of Sociology and Women's Studies at Smith College. The discussion will also feature Ward Two City Councilor Diosado Lopez. On June 17, at 4 p.m., Wistariahurst will host a Block Party, Dancing & Potluck featuring Puerto Rican cuisine and a pig roast. Conjunto de Bomba, an ensemble of musicians, dancers and drummers from Amherst Regional High School will perform. Anyone who would like more information about the "Celebrating the History of Puerto Ricans in Holyoke" event can call Wistariahurst at 322-5660 or visit their website at wistariahurst.org. For more information about the Save Our History program, visit saveourhistory.com. |