The sea holds many mysteries in the depths of its dark waters. Many see the oceans as an adventure to begin opportunities for wealth and a better life. Ezra Gerry was one of those people who sought this out. An African American man in his 20’s, Gerry sought adventure and a new life away from Pensacola. Like so many people who seek that sense of a better life, Ezra saw opportunity in the Larchmont. This was his ticket, his way out to a better life; to work on the seas rather than on the docks. Ezra, of course, must have known the risks of sailing in the early 1900s, but no amount of knowledge prepared him for the destruction of the Larchmont on that dark, cold Rhode Island night on the sea.
No one could have been prepared for that night on February 7, 1907, off the coast of Southern, Rhode Island. This exhibit explores the night, the Schooner impacted into the Larchmont during their departure. It will also delve into the controversies and the unifying power of the wreck that was broadcasted across the United States. That impact was heard throughout the United States as newspapers published about the incident. As the newspapers released information about the disaster, they began to release names of those who, unfortunately, lost their lives. Amongst the names of the lost appeared Ezra Gerry.
Credits
LW, RH, AM