A big piece of history in Providence

It's big, it's historic, it's one of a kind, and for a few hours back in November, it was on public display.

I'm talking about the country's oldest surviving theater curtain drop scene, currently in residence at the Rhode Island Historical Society. Painted in 1809 by John Worrall, the curtain measures 24 feet (7.3 meters) wide and 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall, and is made of 10 individual panels, stitched together.

It's a contemporary panorama of Providence's East Side, and sharp-eyed viewers picked out buildings that are still standing today. Maybe you'll recognize them, too.

Now back from restoration, cleaned of dust, with strengthened stitches, the curtain will continue to live at the Historical Society, and will serve as a backdrop for social events.