Cottagettes to Perform:

Cottagers’ History Program

The Oak Bluffs Historical Commission will sponsor a program depicting the history of the Cottagers, Inc. in Oak Bluffs on Wednesday, July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs Library meeting room.

The Cottagers are a philanthropic organization of African American women homeowners on the Vineyard. Founded in the mid-1950s, primarily by members of the summer community in Oak Bluffs, it is dedicated to giving monetary assistance to various Island causes as well as annual scholarships to two Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School graduating seniors.

The Cottagers are based in the Cottagers’ Corner building that was once the town hall for Oak Bluffs. This site is the hub for many of the social and philanthropic efforts put forth each summer by this group.

Cottagers historian Joanne Edey-Rhodes is responsible for this program which promises to be both informative and entertaining. A video about the Cottagers and a performance by the esteemed Cottagettes are just part of the program that is planned.

In addition, copies of the Cottagers’ new cookbook will be available for sale for $15 each.

Admission is free. More information is available by calling Renee Balter at 508-696-7643 or by e-mailing her at rebalter@yahoo.com.