Battle of Rhode Island Association to address Prudence Island Historical and Preservation Society

The Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA) will present a talk “The Battle of Rhode Island in 1778” at the Annual Meeting of the Prudence Island Historical and Preservation Society (PIH&PS) on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Union Church of Prudence Island 31 Pier Road. The event is open to the public and is free.

Dr. Murray Norcross, MD, MPH, Director for Grants, is the speaker. Dr. Norcross stated, “Our visit to Prudence Island is part of our mission to raise awareness of Rhode Island’s significant role in the American Revolutionary War. We welcome the opportunity to discuss Aquidneck and Prudence Islands’ roles during the war.” Throughout the British occupation of Newport, Prudence Island was often raided by their soldiers in search of food and supplies. Prudence Island residents discovered the body of a British soldier that had washed ashore. In an act of charity, residents gave the soldier a proper burial. His grave is marked with a simple cross and is one of many historic sites that visitors can seek out while visiting Prudence Island.

PIH&PS was formed in 1983 and became a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in 1986. Its mission is to preserve buildings and other historic places, collect and preserve memorabilia, and encourage research into the history of the island. Located in Narragansett Bay and part of the Town of Portsmouth, Prudence Island has had a rich history from the Narragansett Indian inhabitants, then colonial settlement and a prosperous farming community, the near abandonment of the Island after the Revolutionary War, and finally the emergence of summer colonies. Life on the island has changed quite a bit over the last 400 years.

BoRIA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to raising awareness of Rhode Island’s role in the War for Independence. Donations may be made payable to “BoRIA” at PO Box 626, Portsmouth, RI, 02871.