Pioneers Exhibit Opening

On June 18 th at 2 pm, the New London County Historical Society is hosting an opening of
its newly installed permanent exhibit Pioneers: Photographs and Oral Histories of Hispanic
Women in New London County, 1989 by Resurrección Espinosa-Frink. Pioneers was given to the
NLCHS by Ms. Espinosa-Frink to incorporate more minority history representation in our
collection. We invite members of the New London community to join us in the Shaw Mansion
Garden for a viewing of the exhibit along with other activities.

Pioneers is a collection of 15 portraits each with personal stories – transcribed in Spanish
and English – of a Hispanic woman as she resided in New London County in 1989. Three
generations of the same family were interviewed. After viewing the exhibit, Norwich Historian
Dale Plummer said “I found the presentation moving… In capturing the very human, universal
experiences of these pioneers, this exhibit is a must-see.” Today, these stories serve as a measure
of the progress that has been made for Hispanic women. As oral histories, the portraits invite
people to engage in dialogues with the Hispanic community. This helps people come to a better
understanding of one another and resolve societal differences in a peaceful manner. Pioneers has
been on exhibit in several prestigious locations including Yale University, The International
Gallery in Providence, Boston, Connecticut College, and the Centro de la Communidad of New
London. This event is symbolic of the exhibit’s journey back home to New London.

The opening will include short talks from Ms. Espinosa-Frink, CT Humanities Executive
Director Jason Mancini, a guest speaker on oral histories, and New London Hospitality Center
Director Cathy Zall. Additionally, there will be tours of the Shaw Mansion. Light snacks and
refreshments will be available. There is no specific dress code, but we respect people who desire
to represent their heritage by means of their attire to do so. The event will begin at approximately
2 pm on June 18th .