Undefeated: Central High School’s 1969-1970 State Champ Team Featured in State Archives

Undefeated: Central High School’s 1969-1970 State Champ Team Featured in State Archives

The Rhode Island Secretary of State's office announced the opening of Undefeated, a new exhibition at the State Archives that documents the history and culture of the South Providence neighborhood told through the lens of Central High School’s undefeated 1969-1970 state champion basketball team.  

“In the process of preserving Rhode Island’s historical records and making them more accessible to the public, it became clear that there are many voices missing from our collections,” said Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. “This project is the first ever community-driven oral history project organized by the State Archives, and it is an important step in making sure our history reflects the lived experiences of all Rhode Islanders.” 

Throughout the spring, State Archives staff conducted 14 interviews with Central High School alumni, community activists, and South Providence residents to document their experiences. Participants shared stories about growing up in the neighborhood and attending Central High School, along with their memories of the 1969-1970 basketball program. 

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Visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore records and documents, maps, memorabilia, and photographs documenting the history of South Providence and Central High School. The interviews are integrated into the exhibition at two listening stations.  

The Undefeated exhibition is on view at the State Archives located at 33 Broad St., Providence. It will be open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m and will run through the end of October.  

Segments can be listened to HERE.