About RI250
What is RI250 ?
The RI250 Commission consists of 30 appointed members. It is tasked with encouraging civic pride, supporting economic development, and sharing our state’s history through organizing and participating in activities marking Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution. Since 2021, the Commission has facilitated and promoted American Revolution-related activities throughout the state, and its work will continue through the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Our Mission
The mission of the RI250 Commission is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of events throughout history which influenced the ideals of freedom, equality, and independence in our country. Our purpose is to highlight and acknowledge the significant role Rhode Island has played in the formation of our nation as one of the original 13 colonies. Rhode Islanders will explore the intersection of all people who have impacted that history through coordinated events and curriculum that recognizes the many people who have inhabited these lands.
Our Values
The RI250 Commission is committed to a commemoration in which all Rhode Islanders feel welcomed. We aim to enrich Rhode Island’s history by amplifying public events that honor the unique experiences of individuals impacted before, during, and after the historic events of the founding of our nation. We acknowledge that our partners will provide unique perspectives on this anniversary, which will grow our understanding of its importance and the work that remains to be done.
Our Members
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore
Chairperson
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorén Spears
Tomaquag Museum – Appointed by the Secretary of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Jeffrey Emidy
Vice Chairperson, RI250 – Executive Director, Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Steven Frias
Attorney – Appointed by the House Minority Leader
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Heather Pouliot Kisilywicz
Tomaquag Museum – Appointed by the House Speaker
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Bob Burke
Founder of RI Independence Trail – Appointed by the Senate President
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
James Toomey
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council – Appointed by the Secretary of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lisa Foehr
Rhode Island Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Elizabeth Francis, PHD
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities – Appointed by the Governor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Mark Brodeur
Rhode Island Commerce
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Todd Trebour
Rhode Island State Council for the Arts
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Rebecca Bertrand
Newport Historical Society – Appointed by the Secretary of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Dr. C. Morgan Grefe
Rhode Island Historical Society – Appointed by the Secretary of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Marta Martinez
RI Latino Arts – Appointed by the Secretary of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Elizabeth Sulock
Rhode Island Historical Society – Appointed by the Secretary of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Keith Stokes
Rhode Island Historian Laureate
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
John Turbitt, Jr
East Providence Schools – Appointed by the Senate President
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Dennis Morgan
Hibernian Research Society – Appointed by the Senate President
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Ray Rickman
Stages of Freedom – Appointed by the Senate President
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Stephen Mitchell
Glocester Land Trust – Appointed by the Senate Minority Leader
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Mike Gingell
Retired Fire Chief – Appointed by the Senate Minority Leader
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Pam Gasner
Block Island Historical Society – Appointed by the House Minority Leader
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Steven Miller
Gaspee Days Committee – Appointed by the House Speaker
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Joyce Stevos, PHD
Rhode Island College- Appointed by the House Speaker
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Colonel Ron Barnes
Pawtuxet Rangers- Appointed by the House Speaker
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Charles Roberts
Rhode Island Slave History Medallion Project – Appointed by the Governor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Michelle Martins
Bristol Parks and Recreation- Appointed by the Governor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Director Kasim Yarn
Rhode Island Veterans Services – Appointed by the Governor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Gina Giramma
Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center – Appointed by the Governor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Kevin Klyberg
National Park Service- Appointed by the Governor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lauren Fogarty
RI250 Program Coordinator – Rhode Island Department of State
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Support Our Efforts
Your contribution helps bring Rhode Island’s revolutionary story to life. With your support, we can create events, educational programs, and experiences that honor our past and inspire future generations.
