Bannister Grave Restoration Project

Brief history of Bannister’s grave plaques

1901: Bannister’s friends erect a stone monument, with bronze plaques attached, on Bannister’s grave

1975: Mahler B. Ryder finds Bannister’s grave in North Burial Ground (Providence, RI). The large stone remains but the original plaques are missing

1976: Ryder’s efforts lead to replacement plaques being created and affixed to Bannister’s stone during the country’s Bicentennial Celebration

In March 2024 the bronze plaques were stolen from the grave stone of painter Edward M. Bannister. The plaques had been created through an effort spearheaded by artist Mahler B. Ryder. An effort is now underway to replace the stolen plaques, led by Ryder’s daughter, Ulli K. Ryder.

Donation information below.

Mahler Ryder with plaques under fabrication (1976)

The 1976 plaques as they appeared before the 2024 theft

Edward M. Bannister

Edward M. Bannister (1828-1901)) was the first person of African descent to win a major prize in painting in the United States. He won first prize in the paintings category of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Celebration. Over his career he helped found the Providence Art Club, served as an Executive Committee Member of the first art show at the Rhode Island School of Design, and helped to make Providence, RI a center for art & design.

His wife, Christiana Carteaux Bannister supported him through her income as the successful owner of hair salons. Together, they worked for the abolition of slavery and then for equal rights for Black people. Christiana founded the Home for Aged Colored Women (now Bannister House) to care for older women of color — many who had worked as domestic servants — who had no pensions.

Edward’s work has been collected by some of our most prestigious institutions, such as the Smithsonian. His work is housed at the Providence Art Club. Rhode Island College’s Bannister Gallery, and the Rhode Island School of Design (among many other galleries & museums). His work is also in the hands of private collectors and in the attics and basements of families who are unaware of what treasures they have.

Donations

Questions?

To donate to the Bannister Grave Restoration fund, please send checks to:

Rhode Island Historical Society

110 Benevolent Street

Providence, RI 02906

Attn: Business Office

Make checks payable to: Rhode Island Historical Society

Memo line: Bannister Grave