Two Cities, Two Floods, One Shared Future
1954 — Hurricane Carol (Providence)
On August 31, 1954, Hurricane Carol slammed into Rhode Island, driving a devastating 12-foot storm surge directly into downtown Providence. Surging waters submerged the commercial center, paralyzing urban infrastructure and testing civic resolve. Archival photography captured a city underwater—a disaster that ultimately galvanized local action and established a decades-long legacy of waterfront protection and climate adaptation.
1966 — The Great Flood of the Arno
On November 4, 1966, the Arno River overflowed its banks, submerging Florence under 18 feet of water and mud. Over 14,000 irreplaceable works of art and millions of rare manuscripts were endangered. The disaster inspired a global wave of young volunteers—known as the Angeli del Fango ("Mud Angels")—to travel to Italy, transforming Florence into an international center for art restoration and stone conservation science.
Festival Highlights
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Historic Exhibits & Youth Workshops
Hosted at Grace Church, a dual photo exhibit paired David Lees' Life Magazine 1966 Florence photos with Providence Journal 1954 Hurricane Carol archives. The venue also hosted 13 hands-on youth workshops focused on history, stone conservation, and paper marbling.
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Climate Panels & Environmental Action
In partnership with Brown University and Save The Bay, 12 dedicated programs convened climate scientists, urban planners, and policy leaders. Key events included public panels on coastal flood mitigation and guided tours of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.
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Italian Opera & Culinary Pop-Ups
Cultural programming included a flagship opera concert co-performed by Florence's Maggio Musicale and the RI Philharmonic for 600 guests, alongside Osteria Toscana culinary pop-ups and wine tastings celebrating regional Tuscan heritage.
