2023 Ephs on the Vineyard with WBAN

Purple and Yellow Balloons with Beach Background

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

The weekend registration is at capacity and we are not able to accommodate walk-ins or additional guests that have not been registered or shared with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

We hope you can join us at future WBAN events.

Date
Thursday, August 3 - Sunday, August 6, 2023

Location
Oak Bluffs, MA in Martha's Vineyard

Questions?
Please contact Alumni Engagement at [email protected].

The Williams Black Alumni Network (WBAN) cordially invites Williams alumni and their guests to Ephs on the Vineyard in Oak Bluffs, MA on August 3-6, 2023.

This long-standing tradition was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, but we are now excited to return to a place that inspires solidarity and camaraderie with you, your family, and Williams friends. Join us for another special year of celebration!

Weekend Highlights:

Moments of fun-filled connection and good food including a Friday Night Welcome, Saturday Breakfast, and Saturday Cocktail Reception with President Maud S. Mandel
Activities for all ages including a walking tour of the African American Heritage Trail and a Beach Meet-up to enjoy the sun together
Conversation with Tufts Professors Dr. Kendra T. Field ‘99 and Dr. Kerri Greenidge around the history of the Black Berkshires and New England's African Diaspora
And more!

Ephs on the Vineyard 2023 Attendee List

REGISTRATION FOR EPHS ON THE VINEYARD IS CLOSED.

The weekend registration is at capacity and we are not able to accommodate walk-ins or additional guests that have not been registered or shared with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

Meetup at Noman's (formerly Lola's)
6:00-9:00 P.M. | Noman's, 15 Island Road, Oak Bluffs, MA | Dress Code: Casual

Kickoff your Vineyard weekend together at Noman's while enjoying good food and lawn games.

Noman's has a ramp leading into the restaurant and a handicap-accessible gate into the backyard area. Restrooms have ADA accessible stalls.

Noman's is ~5 minutes by car and ~30 minutes walking from Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs. We will not be providing shuttling for this event so please plan accordingly. We encourage using ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Noman's is right off the Oak Bluffs-Edgartown bike trail and there are bike rental shops in Oak Bluffs.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023

Free Time at Martha's Vineyard
9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

The perfect chance to settle in, visit the beach, and get acquainted with Oak Bluffs before we gather to officially kick off the weekend. Make sure to check out "Things To Do in Oak Bluffs" below!

African American Heritage Trail All Island Tour
1:00 P.M. | Please meet at 16 Chapman Avenue by Washington Park, at the intersection of Chapman and Wayland Avenues.

The African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard has 27 sites dedicated to the contributions of Black people to the history of the island. Join them as they celebrate 25 years!

Welcome Dinner
6:00-9:00 P.M. | Sailing Camp Park, 177 Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs, MA | Dress Code: Casual

Join us and President Maud S. Mandel at the Sailing Camp Park for a casual, come-as-you-are delicious BBQ dinner by Chef Deon.

Sailing Camp Park is located ~6 minutes by car and ~40 minutes walking from Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs. Limited shuttling will be available from Oak Bluffs and back, departing and arriving at Ocean Park (shuttle times below). We encourage ride sharing platforms as it is a popular form of transportation on the island. For those who want to drive, parking is available.

5:30pm - Shuttle Departs from Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs to Sailing Camp Park
8:30pm - Shuttle loops from Sailing Camp Park to Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs begin

Sailing Camp Park has accessible parking and ramps from the parking lot to the entrance. Bathrooms are ADA accessible.

Happening at the Vineyard
First Friday Vineyard Haven | 4:00 P.M. | Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District

First Friday VH takes place the first Fridays throughout the summer season. Head into Vineyard Haven for pop-up food, artist vendors, and live music on the beach.

Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival | August 4-12

The 21st Annual Run&Shoot Filmworks Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival, an Oscar Qualifying Festival in the Short Film Category.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023

Grab & Go Breakfast
Starting at 7:00 A.M | 1-11 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA

A weekend on Martha's Vineyard would not be complete without a visit to Back Door Donuts. Stop by this island favorite in downtown Oak Bluffs to grab a coffee/tea & donut before you begin your Saturday. Breakfast pass(es) will be provided to you at check-in.

A History of the Black Berkshires and New England's African Diaspora: Panel with Dr. Kendra T. Field '99 and Dr. Kerri Greenidge
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | Trinity Episcopal Church, 5 Lake Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA

In this talk, Dr. Kendra Field '99 and Dr. Kerri Greenidge illuminate the long history of Black New England from the Berkshires to the Vineyard. Field and Greenidge are authors and professors at Tufts University and co-directors of the African American Trail Project, a collaborative public history initiative that places present-day struggles for racial justice in the context of greater Boston's historic African American, Black Native, and diasporic communities. Together they co-founded the Du Bois Forum, a retreat for writers, scholars, and artists of color in the Berkshires.

Beach Meetup
Starting at 12:00 P.M. | 83 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA

Inkwell Beach, one of the most well-known beaches on the island, has been a staple of the African American experience on Martha's Vineyard since the late 1800s. The beach is family friendly with calm, shallow water, and is close to town and restaurants. Bring your blankets, chairs, and coolers!

Cocktail Reception with President Maud S. Mandel
6:00-9:00 P.M. | Home of Jeff Harleston '82 P'21 and Maria Harleston P'21, 175 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA | Dress Code: Beach Cocktail

Conclude the weekend together in a celebratory cocktail reception with President Maud S. Mandel, hosted by Jeff Harleston '82 P'21 and Maria Harleston P'21.

Edgartown is located ~15 minutes by car from Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs. Limited shuttling will be available from Oak Bluffs and back, departing and arriving at Ocean Park (shuttle times below). We encourage ride sharing platforms as parking is limited and it is a popular form of transportation on the island. For those who want to drive, see parking locations below.

5:30pm - Shuttle Departs from Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs to Edgartown
8:30pm - Shuttle #1 Departs from Edgartown to Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
9:00pm - Shuttle #2 Departs from Edgartown to Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs
9:30pm - Shuttle #3 Departs from Edgartown to Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs

Parking Locations:

The Edgartown School Parking Lot, located at 37 Robinson Road is a short walk to the house
There is a property at 167 Upper Main Street (basically the next house as you head into Edgartown) with a small parking lot behind the building that can accommodate about 15 cars.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

TRAVEL TO/ON OAK BLUFFS, MARTHA'S VINEYARD

THINGS TO DO AT MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Shop at Circuit Ave
Relax or take a dip at Inkwell Beach
Visit Oak Bluffs historical landmarks at the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association like the Cottage Museum
Walk around or have a picnic at Ocean Park
Attend a 10am Sunday morning service at Union Chapel, with Rev. Otis Moss III from Trinity United Church of Christ on August 6.
Have fun with your friends or family at Ryan's Family Friends Fun
Visit the Extraordinary Life of Dorothy West Exhibit, happening July 12-September 10, at Martha's Vineyard Museum (151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, MA)
Connect with the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, happening August 4-September 12 at the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center (100 Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, MA)
Walk through the oldest outdoor flea market on the island, Chilmark Flea Market, happening Saturdays from 9am-2pm at Chilmark Flea Market Field (142 North Road, Chilmark, MA).
Buy delicious produce and meats at West Tisbury Farmers' Market, happening Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am-12pm at Agricultural Hall (35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury, MA).
Want more ideas? Read this article in the New York Times!

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

ABOUT OAK BLUFFS AND MARTHA'S VINEYARD

People of African descent first came to Martha’s Vineyard in the 1600s, when West African slaves worked on the farms of early settlers. After slavery was abolished, the island became a popular destination for freed blacks, who came to work in the fishing industries, in turn attracting black residents from the Massachusetts mainland, who came and started businesses to serve the Vineyard’s growing population.

As Oak Bluffs transformed from a white religious destination to a secular vacation destination, it became known as the only Vineyard town that really welcomed black tourists. Other towns on the island did not even allow black people to stay in inns and hotels until the 1960s. In search of an accessible vacation spot, well to do African Americans from New York and Boston came to Oak Bluffs, and by the 1930s, local black landowners were transforming the town into the country’s best-known—and most exclusive—African American leisure spots. (Source: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/placeofourown/place.html)

Today, Oak Bluffs operates the largest marina on Martha's Vineyard, which not only has the most ships, but is situated in the midst of the historic gingerbread campgrounds, and offers easy access to the rest of the Island. "OB", as it is affectionately referred to, also is home to several beautiful public beaches, a teaming shore of wildlife, fish and shellfish, fabulous public parks, a golf course and even a microbrewery. Members of the Williams College Black community have been getting together with their families in OB for over 30 years and the college is proud of this connection with a locale that is such a key aspect of the Black history in the north east.

Visit http://www.oakbluffsma.gov/ to read more about Oak Bluffs and the island of Martha's Vineyard - our home for the weekend.

REGISTRATION RATES

Alumni & Adult Guests Classes of 1998 & Older - $250.00
Alumni & Adult Guests Classes of 1999-2008 - $200.00
Alumni & Adult Guests Classes of 2009-2013 - $150.00
Alumni & Adult Guests Classes of 2014-2018 - $100.00
Alumni & Adult Guests Classes of 2019-2023 - $50.00
General Adult Guest - $100.00
Williams Students Classes of 2027-2024 - $50.00
Children Under 18 & Babysitters - $0.00
Williams Faculty & Staff - $0.00
Day Trip - Saturday Only Registration - $50.00

LODGING

A limited number of hotel rooms will be available for self-booking through the College in the registration form. Each room will require a $100 deposit for holding and a final complete payment by June 26. The locations include:

You are also welcome to make your own arrangements now with friends and family using AirBnB, VRBO, or local rental agents.

CANCELLATION POLICY

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE JULY 1.

We kindly ask that if necessary, you cancel your registration by June 26 so we can release your spot and any rooms you may have booked.

If you reserve a room through the College upon registration, a full payment of the room is expected by June 26 unless arranged otherwise with Zorelly Cepeda Derieux '14, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement. If payment is not received by this date, your room will be released.