One nation two worlds

"One Nation Two Worlds" grew out of a question posed about two years ago by South County regional editor Dave McCarthy: "Who are the Narragansetts?" he asked after the subject came up at a weekend brunch.

Providence Journal reporters Paul Davis and Katie Mulvaney set out a few months later to learn more about the tribe, its government, culture and beliefs. Along with photographer Steve Szydlowski, they met with dozens of tribal members, attended ceremonies and watched the tribe's most recent history unfold.

The stories and images in this five-part series offer glimpses into the lives of the descendants of the land's first people. The series also explores the Narragansetts' turbulent history.

Davis joined The Journal as a business writer in 1988. A Brown University graduate, he has covered banking, retailing and several South County towns. He can be reached at (401) 277-7402 or at pdavis [at] projo.com.

Mulvaney arrived at The Journal 3 1/2 years ago and covers South Kingstown. A Union College graduate, she worked for three years as managing editor of The Block Island Times. She can be reached at (401) 277-7417 or at kmulvane [at] projo.com.

Szydlowski attended Rhode Island Community College. He came to The Journal in 1987, having worked as a freelance photographer for The Associated Press. He can be reached at sszydlow [at] projo.com.

Mimi Burkhardt provided editing and guidance. Cecilia Prestamo designed the pages. William Corey was the copy editor.