Early New Englanders’ understanding of arbitrary rule was central to their efforts to maintain self-government in the late 1600’s. In 1664, after King Charles II sent royal commissioners on warships to America, conquering the Dutch and transforming New Netherland into New York, Anglo-American colonists in New England were pressured, bribed or intimidated into accepting more royal […]

“A Matter of Truth” Dives Into Rhode Island’s History of Discrimination The new State House exhibit presented by the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society explores the lives of African heritage […]

This lecture will attempt to shed light on at least a few of the stories of Indigenous people in Portsmouth, along with how some of the English colonists interacted with them. $5 for non-members

Charting History is a traveling panel exhibition that tells one cohesive, chronological, and thematic narrative of Rhode Island's history. It follows the major threads of commerce, conflict, and conscience to tell the stories of RI and the people who have lived here throughout history up to the present-day. This exhibit is designed to introduce visitors […]

Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Saturday, December 2, from 1pm-5pm, at the Museum of Work & Culture for a Global Market celebrating Rhode Island makers with international connections and the diversity of the communities that call Rhode Island home. Coinciding with Woonsocket’s Holiday Stroll, families will be able to shop from local vendors, […]

The Rhode Island Historical Society and the Battle of Rhode Island Association will welcome Dr. Friederike Baer on Wednesday, December 6th at 6pm for her talk, “I cannot call it a Conquest – the Rebels ran away like Villains”: German Soldiers in Rhode Island, 1776 to 1779. The British occupation of Rhode Island from 1776 to 1779 included […]

Thursday December 7, 2023 at 5:30pm; a cocktail reception immediately follows the talk Newport Historical Society Resource Center, 82 Touro Street, Newport, RI It may surprise many to learn that on average Colonial Americans consumed twice the volume of alcohol than a modern American. They held fast to their belief that alcohol cured illness, lifted spirits, commemorated […]

The Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA)Lecture Series sponsored by BankNewport continues with our partners the Varnum Memorial Armory on Thursday, December 7th at 6:00 PM at The Varnum Memorial […]

For more than two centuries, all most Americans have ever known about Benedict Arnold is that he committed treason—yet he was more than a turncoat. He was a superb leader, […]

Lejos de tu tierra en la navidad Far from home at Christmas time These monthly gatherings consist of conversation and reflection. All events are FREE. This will be our last Café Recuerdos for 2023 at the Broad Street Gateway Center in Providence from 5:30-7PM. Prompt: Far from home during the holidays.