Co-curators of the Jamestown Historical Society summer exhibit, Sue Maden and Rosemary Enright (center), were joined by two of Dr. Bates’ descendants, Keith Kriet (left) and Barbara Magruder (right) for the opening of the exhibit about their ancestor.

2019 summer exhibit at the Jamestown Historical Society museum at 92 Narragansett Avenue, Dr. William Lincoln Bates & The Bates Sanitarium, opened on Friday, June 21, with an opening night party for society members.  The sanitarium complex, which occupied the land between Conanicus and Florida avenues across from the Bay Voyage, was started by Dr. Bates in 1900 and survived until 1944. 

The opening of the exhibit coincided with the release of the new book by Sue Maden and Rosemary Enright, The 1874 Diary of Providence Reform School Inmate No. 2067: Dr. William Lincoln Bates of Jamestown.  The future doctor had spent three years between ages 18 and 21 in reform school for stealing from a great-uncle.  During his second year there he kept at daily record of his activities.  The diary is the only known diary kept by an inmate at a penal institution.  The original diary as well as a transcription and reproductions of some of the pages are on display in the exhibit.

The museum will be open from 1 to 4 pm every Wednesday through Sunday from June 22 until Labor Day.  After Labor Day, it will be open weekends until Columbus Day, October 14.