Rhode Island 250

Last week, the RI250 staff attended the America250 State & Territory Convening in Washington, D.C. It is always a pleasure to connect with our state partners!

Thank you to America250 for organizing such a fantastic week of collaboration through impactful sessions at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. 🇺🇸

Celebrate the Fourth of July with history! 📜

The State Archives is hosting a special viewing of all three of Rhode Island’s copies of the Declaration of Independence from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! 🇺🇸✨

Three rare copies of the Declaration of Independence will be on display July 4 at R.I. State Archives - The Boston Globe Three rare copies of the Declaration of Independence, including one printed just days after the proclamation was adopted, will be on display at the Rhode Island State Archives on July 4, from 10 a.m. until noon.

🇺🇸🇫🇷Discover how Rhode Island's historic Newport played a pivotal role in fostering the enduring Franco-American partnership. From the Battle of Rhode Island to the flourishing bonds forged during Rochambeau's stay, explore how this alliance shaped our shared history and continues to inspire unity today. 🎉

Congratulations to Commission member Elizabeth Sulock for her article in Time this week!

Join us in celebrating nearly 250 Years of Alliance at the French in Newport Living History Weekend on July 13-14th, 2024!

The Roots of the Franco-American Alliance The Franco-American alliance first flourished in Newport, R.I., helping to win the U.S. to win independence.

Celebrate Independence Day with history! 📜

Join us at the RI State Archives for a special viewing of RI's three copies of the Declaration of Independence from 10AM - 12PM. Dive into American heritage up close!

Learn more with the link below. 🇺🇸✨

Looking for a unique way to spend part of the Independence Day holiday? Visit the RI State Archives for a special viewing of RI's three copies of the Declaration of Independence from 10AM - 12PM. Experience American history up close! Learn more: https://www.ri.gov/press/view/47743

Gaspee Days Parade 2024💥 Another fantastic year in Pawtuxet Village honoring the first act of aggression against the British Crown!

On this day in 1772, the HMS Gaspee was beached, and bold Providence residents attacked the vessel, shooting the captain. They proceeded to burn the boat to the waterline, and none of these men were discovered by the English. All of this happened eighteen months before the Boston Tea Party. Rhode Island, we were first! 🔥⛵️

A special thank you to Pack 4 Gaspee Plateau for marching with us!

The Gaspee Days Parade is one of our favorite ways to commemorate our state’s pivotal role in the American Revolution! Onward to 2026… 💥⛵️🔥

Happy Gaspee Days! On June 9th 1772, the HMS Gaspee was burned to the waterline marking the first act of aggression that would ignite the American Revolution.
💥⛵️🔥

Join us this morning at 10 am on the Narragansett Parkway for the annual Gaspee Days parade! We at the RI 250th Commission look forward to participating in yet another Gaspee Days Parade.

Sailing into June in search of HMS Juno (1757), the first of seven Royal Navy ships named for the Roman goddess. A 32-gun frigate, HMS Juno was ordered June 1, 1756 and completed in November 1757 at Deptford Dockyard in London. She served the Royal Navy throughout the American Revolutionary War, capturing privateer, American, and French ships off the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 1777 and 1778.

HMS Juno was stationed in Narragansett Bay in August 1778 to support British forces occupying Newport. Rather than engage with the French fleet, the captains of HMS Cerberus, HMS Lark, and HMS Orpheus grounded their ships on the west shore of Aquidneck Island and set them on fire. The crew of the Juno followed suit, setting their ship on fire off the shore of Coddington Cove.

Archaeologists from the University of Rhode Island began the search for these four ships in the 1970s, and the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project continued the project in the 1990s. The underwater sites of HMS Lark, HMS Orpheus, and HMS Cerberus were located and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. HMS Juno, assumed to to lie beneath the waters of Coddington Cove, remains at large.

Illustration of HMS Juno by John Rushworth Jellicoe


U.S. Naval War College U.S. Naval War College Library Royal Navy Battle of Rhode Island Association University of Rhode Island Rhode Island 250

On this day in 1790, Rhode Island became the last of the original 13 states to join the Union. 🇺🇸

As a strong advocate for individual rights, Rhode Island’s push for a Bill of Rights played a pivotal role in securing our freedoms. Despite not attending the Constitutional Convention, its insistence on amendments helped shape the first ten we hold dear today. Here's to the smallest state making the biggest impact!🌊✨

Step into history with RI250 as we explore Rhode Island's rich heritage! 🌟 Discover untold stories, visit iconic landmarks, and mark our journey over the last 250 years towards freedom, equality, and independence. 🇺🇸

Join us as we commemorate our nation's Semiquincentennial milestone! As we approach July 4th 2026, let us honor the largely forgotten yet pivotal role that Rhode Island played in the American Revolution!

Here is our official launch video capturing the essence of Rhode Island's unique identity and captivating history!

RI 250 Video 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation. The Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission (RI 250th Commission), was established in 2021 through a...

Honoring an American Revolutionary War Patriot and native son of Coventry, Rhode Island, General Nathanael Greene. 🇺🇸🎖

The Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution heeded the call of the national society to mark our nation’s Semiquincentennial milestone! Today, we saw the fruit of their fundraising effort with the unveiling and dedication of a bench in tribute to General Greene. May this bench be a symbol of gratitude and inspiration for generations to come. Congratulations to the Rhode Island SAR and the General Nathanael Greene Homestead on this amazing project!

As we approach the Semiquincentennial, let this event be the first of many to publically educate, recognize, and honor the events and heroes of the period surrounding the American Revolution.

Let’s celebrate Rhode Island Independence Day on May 4th by proudly displaying our state flags!

Join Secretary of State and RI 250 Chair Gregg M. Amore in honoring our independent spirit! Get your free flag today and share your pride with at https://rishgiftshop.com 🎉

🌟 Calling all college students! 🌟

Join us this summer for the 2024 Summer Fellowship Program with the Rhode Island Department of State!

Get hands-on experience, network with political leaders, and contribute to exciting projects, including preparations for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in Rhode Island. 🇺🇸

Apply now for a chance to make a real impact! Deadline: April 14, 2024. Don't miss out – apply today!

The RI Department of State's Summer Fellowship program is accepting applications! This program gives students the opportunity to gain real-world work experience and make a serious, positive impact on residents of Rhode Island. Apply online: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/civics-and-education/fellowship

Rhode Island’s story is that of our nation. As chair of the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission (RI250), Secretary of State Gregg Amore was honored to bring together members of the public, educators, historic preservation organizations, and elected officials to unveil the video marking 250 years of vibrant Rhode Island history.

Attendees were able to view the original 1823 Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a pop-up exhibition celebrating Rhode Island’s revolutionary local communities. Email [email protected] to bring this exhibit to your community today!

A special thank-you to the Pawtuxet Rangers Fife and Drum Corps for a fantastic performance!

On Friday, March 29, the RI250 Commission will hold a reception to highlight its efforts so far to prepare for the commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, as well as look ahead to exciting events and projects leading up to 2026. The event will feature a performance by the Pawtuxet Rangers and an opportunity to view one of Rhode Island’s copies of the Declaration of Independence. We hope you’ll join us beginning at 5 p.m. at the Rhode Island State House.

Learn more:

RI 250th Commission Reception - Rhode Island 250 Join us for a memorable reception hosted by the Rhode Island 250th Commission. Date: March 29th, 2024 Time: 5:00-7:00 pm Location: State House Library Experience the rich history of Rhode […]

Congratulations to the town of Richmond for creating their local 250th committee! It's inspiring to see each community come together to commemorate such a significant milestone in our nation's history.

By organizing this committee, Richmond is not only honoring its own past but also contributing to the broader commemoration of Rhode Island's role in the founding of our country.

We look forward to seeing the exciting events and initiatives that each local 250th committee will bring to life in the coming years!

Wicked excited to have been appointed to Richmond's 250th Anniversary Committee as Counci's Representative to the committee! I'm a life long Rhode Islander & ❤️ our little state.

Looking forward to helping to plan fun & educational events to celebrate the history of our state & town!

Learn more about Rhode Island 250 here: https://rhodeisland250.org/

The Rhode Island State Archives framed their William J. Stone printing of the Declaration of Independence this afternoon. This printing refers to the process used by Stone to create the first full-scale reproduction of the Declaration of Independence in 1823. This reproduction effort was commissioned by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. At the time, the original document was beginning to show signs of wear and tear due to age and handling. By creating precise copies, Adams sought to safeguard the integrity of the Declaration and make it more widely accessible for future generations.

William Stone engraved the original text onto a steel plate. This method allowed for highly detailed and accurate reproductions, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of this important historical document.

Today, the RI Department of State ensured the preservation of a document that represents a pivotal moment in American history and serves as a symbol of the nation's founding principles. Preserving this copy helps maintain a tangible connection to the past and allows future generations to study and appreciate the foundational document of the United States.

Thank you Providence Picture Frame for your help in preserving this piece of American history!

🌟Calling all history buffs and preservation champions!

🏛️Rhode Island Humanities is offering eighteen $5,000 grants through the THRIVE program to support small cultural heritage organizations and local historical societies in strengthening Rhode Island's vibrant communities.

🏔️The U.S. National Park Service is commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary with grants ranging from $15,000-$750,000 for historical site restoration and research.

⏰Don't miss out - apply by March 5th for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program and March 22nd for THRIVE!

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the links the following links:

National Park Service- https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/semiquincentennial-grant-opportunity.htm
RI Humanities- https://rihumanities.org/grants/grantmaking-thrive/

Last week, RI250 convened at the beautiful John Carter Brown Library () to discuss exciting projects and plans for the coming year! 📚✨

A special thanks to JCB Library Director, Dr. Karin Wulf (.wulf), and her wonderful staff for hosting us. This facility holds an astounding collection of nearly 50,000 rare books, maps, and manuscripts encompassing more than two hundred languages and spans over three centuries of early American history.

In her remarks to the Commission, Dr. Wulf introduced the newly formed Brown 2026 Steering Committee. We look forward to further collaboration over the next few years!

This morning the Washington Post published an article on the Gaspee Affair! The story highlights the many overlooked contributions of Rhode Island colonists in the fight for the American cause.

This year's limited edition RI 250 holiday ornament depicts the Burning of the Gaspee and was produced by Lincoln-based Beacon Designs. Rhode Islanders can purchase the ornament online at https://rishgiftshop.com/ or by visiting the Rhode Island State House Gift Shop.

Thank you to the Washington Post for highlighting the true spark of the American Revolution!: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/12/14/gaspee-affair-boston-tea-party/

Boston Tea Party? Rhode Island says its rebellion was first — and just as important. Rhode Islanders are frustrated that the 1772 Gaspee affair has been overlooked as the Boston Tea Party marks its 250th anniversary this week.

Did you know that The White House Christmas Ornament has been made right here in Rhode Island for the past 43 years? Beacon Design by ChemArt, located in Lincoln, has received national recognition for their fantastic work!

🎄🎁

The RI250 Commission is proud to work with ChemArt each year to design commemorative ornaments leading up to the Semiquincentennial! The 2023 ornament depicts the Burning of the Gaspee!

💥🇺🇸

Give the gift of American history this year! Ornaments are available for purchase online or by visiting the Rhode Island State House Gift Shop!

https://rishgiftshop.com/burning-of-the-gaspee-limited-edition/

Did you know that the spark that ignited the American Revolution began right here in Rhode Island with the Burning of the HMS Gaspee in 1772?! This holiday season gift an integral piece of American history!

💥💥💥

The Rhode Island 250th Commission partners with the Rhode Island State House Gift Shop to create commemorative Christmas ornaments in the years leading up to the Semiquincentennial!

🎄🎁☃️

This limited-edition ornament depicts the first act of civil defiance against the tyranny of the British Crown! ORDER TODAY!

🎄🎄🎄

Follow this link to purchase: https://rishgiftshop.com/burning-of-the-gaspee-limited-edition/

Lots of great lectures coming up on the archeological digs for the Old State House, Gaspee, and Battle of Rhode Island! RIHPHC is certainly closing out Rhode Island Archaeology Month with a bang!! Thanks to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, Portsmouth Historical Society, Warwick Public Library, Gaspee Days, and Public Archaeology Laboratory!

Great article in the Boston Globe today on the Independent Man! Secretary Amore reflected on opportunities Rhode Islanders had to connect with this iconic landmark during the Bicentennial. How lucky are we for a similar opportunity leading up to the Semiquincentennial!

Click the link in our story for the full article.

Last Wednesday, we convened the Rhode Island 250th Commission at the William Hall Library. We are happy to report on another productive meeting!

As always, we look forward to exploring some new initiatives. We are excited to implement them and engage more Rhode Islanders at the Semiquincentennial!

The team had a great time in Boise last week! We met with representatives from 250th commissions across the country. It was a great week exchanging ideas and strategies to promote the most inclusive commemoration ever! We loved hearing from each state on their respective efforts.

A major thank you to the team at the American Association for State and Local History for hosting such a tremendous collaborative event! We at the RI 250th Commission look forward to utilizing all the resources and ideas exchanged last week!

Honor. Respect. Remember.

This weekend, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s Vietnam Memorial Wall was showcased at Rocky Point State Park. This exhibit was in honor of the 209 Rhode Islanders who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.

We were honored to be asked to cohost this event with Operation Stand Down RI, the Gaspee Days Committee, RI State Parks, and the City of Warwick.

On Saturday, the Town of South Kingstown paid tribute to Civil War Brigadier General and native son Isaac Peace Rodman. The ceremony was inconjunction with the rededication of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Wakefield’s Riverside Cemetary.

An unlikely hero, Rodman had no formal military training but was promoted to brigadier general after showcasing tremendous bravery and heroism in battle. Most notably, Rodman led a charge that stunned the Confederates, and captured a key position during the Battle of New Bern. His actions were considered “one of the most heroic deeds [of the Battle]”.

He fought in the Battle of Bull Run, Roanoke Island, New Bern, Fort Macon, South Mountain and ultimately Antietam. He was shot through the lung during the Battle of Antietam but managed to survive for 13 days. To this day, Rodman is still the highest-ranking Rhode Island soldier ever to die in battle.

If you are interested in learning more about the South Kingstown 300th Anniversary Committee and their programs head over to their website at http://www.southkingstownri.com/1087/300th-Anniversary.