Yvonne M. Smart is a retired Providence librarian and community leader recognized for her lifelong commitment to the Cape Verdean community in Rhode Island. She has been active in cultural and educational initiatives, advocacy for Cape Verdean independence, and community organizations across New England. In 2022, she was inducted into the Cape Verdean Museum Hall of Fame.
The Yvonne Smart papers document Cape Verdean history, identity, and community life in Rhode Island, New England, and abroad. The collection includes correspondence, organizational records, flyers, pamphlets, newsletters, cultural programs, and conference materials that reflect political independence movements, educational initiatives, cultural celebrations, and advocacy efforts. Together, these materials highlight the development of Cape Verdean organizations and transnational connections dedicated to supporting Cape Verdean communities and preserving and celebrating their heritage.
Rhode Island College does not have copyright to the materials in this collection. Researchers are advised to contact Rhode Island College Special Collections for questions regarding permissions to reproduce, distribute, or otherwise publish material from this collection. Although Rhode Island College has physical ownership of the collection, it does not necessarily hold literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them
The collection is open for research. The open reel videotape in box 3, folder 1, is currently inaccessible due to technical requirements. Access to the videotape is subject to delays and costs associated with digitizing the originals.
Yvonne Smart Papers, MSS 0070, Special Collections, James P. Adams Library, Rhode Island College.
The collection has no discernible order.
The collection was originally donated by Yvonne Smart in 1991, with several subsequent additions.
The collection was arranged by Special Collections staff prior to 2019. In 2025, the collection was further arranged and described using current archival standards by Ellen Cummings, Special Collections intern, under the direction of Digital Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, Veronica L. Denison
Rhode Island College Special Collections holds further collections relating to Cape Verde. Please review the
Materials in the collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
Access to the videotape is subject to delays and costs associated with digitizing the originals.