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In commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, this exhibition looks at the period of the formation of the American nation and sense of identity through the lens of objects, stories, and houses in NRF’s collection and tell the story of the founding of NRF on the eve of the 
While the American Revolution provides historical context for this years 250th anniversary of the United States, this exhibition broadens the conversation by exploring the meaning of freedom through Indigenous perspectives on land, responsibility, and enduring presence. Visitors are invited to consider a central question: What does freedom mean, and who was it meant for? Through 
From the attack on the British Royal Navy's HMS Gaspee in 1772 to being the final state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Rhode Island has a big story to tell as we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America! Visit the State Archives to see a new exhibit focusing on the story of 
Newport was an important city during the American War of Independence. Everyone in the city was directly affected during the war years and the tour will feature selected people that reflect what many were experiencing. Visit the graves of loyalists, patriots, soldiers and politicians who lived and died in the fight for independence. Pamphlets are 
This exhibition explores how diverse Newporters experienced the tumult of the Revolution and how later artists, writers and community organizers from Newport defined our understanding of the war in innovative, often radical ways that met the challenges of their times. In this anniversary year marking 250 years of American independence from Great Britain, the exhibition |
6 events,
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Join us for the planting of a new Liberty Tree in West Greenwich as part of Rhode Island’s ongoing commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. In the 18th century, Liberty Trees served as powerful gathering places where colonists came together to share ideas, organize, and spark the spirit of independence. Today, the |
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9 events,
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Doors open at 10 a.m. ET, Presentation begins at 10:30 a.m. ET. Author, historian, SSHSA member, and former purser Gregory Abbott has been captivated by ships since his high school summer job aboard the Yankee that went to Block Island. Learn about the evolution of steamships and passenger travel, from the 1800s to the modern
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Join us for the planting of a new Liberty Tree in Coventry as part of Rhode Island’s ongoing commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. In the 18th century, Liberty Trees served as powerful gathering places where colonists came together to share ideas, organize, and spark the spirit of independence. Today, the planting
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This year, the sassiminneash takes center stage in cooking demonstrations featuring Narragansett chef Charles Hankinson, a Johnson & Wales graduate. An Indigenous Artist Market will offer visitors the opportunity to meet artists, see demonstrations, and explore contemporary expressions of Indigenous culture. Experience the cranberry through your senses with food vendors by Indigenous chefs Willy Johnson |
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Rhode Islanders’ revolutionary acts outside of Rhode Island – A Panel Discussion- During the Revolution Rhode Islanders contributed to victory on the land and sea, far from Rhode Island’s borders. We welcome visiting historians to share the history of Rhode Island’s rebels on various frontiers, literature and their migrations after Independence was secured.
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Join us for watercolor class where we will use for inspiration the original Merit Badge given to soldiers for excellent service during the American Revolution that Cato Vernon may have received. All levels. Beginner friendly. Free for all. |
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7 events,
Autumnfest is the largest celebration held in Northern Rhode Island. Attracting nearly 100,000 people this year and we are looking to make this event the biggest yet celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country. Rides for kids and adults, food court, arts and crafts vendors, ten division parade, two areas of beer/wine/cocktails, sports and fitness |
8 events,
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Something happens when people sew together. Conversations, quiet, creative discovery and personal connection. Over time, we create something that could never exist if we did it alone and the artifact lives on to tell our story. Join artist Bob Dilworth in assembling a community textile dedicated to Cato Vernon. Using fabric printed with photos created |
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8 events,
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Family Friendly event for all ages: Tour our collections and learn about the history of steamships and engine-powered vessels. Explore hundreds of models, photos, maritime artworks, and other artifacts. |
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Nothing brings a greater sense of freedom than raising your voice in harmony in a circle of kind-hearted folks! Meet with friends new and old to join in the tradition of singing in a circle. A chance to make community, free your voice, boost your mental health, and reflect on American history and its relationship |
7 events,
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Stories about artificial life are older than the technology that inspired them. Pygmalion's statue, the Golem, Pinocchio. The questions they raise about identity, ethics and responsibility have only grown more urgent as drones, prosthetics and adaptive software move those old myths closer to daily life. Rhode Island sculptor Krzysztof Mathews builds an ecosystem of cyborg |
8 events,
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Join us for the planting of a new Liberty Tree at the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery as part of Rhode Island’s ongoing commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. In the 18th century, Liberty Trees served as powerful gathering places where colonists came together to share ideas, organize, and spark the spirit of independence.
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Join the State Library for a discussion of Robert Geake & Loren Spears' "From Slaves to Soldiers: the 1st Rhode Island Regiment in the American Revolution" (2023) and primary sources from Rhode Island State Archives. We recommend borrowing the book from your local public library. Discussions will center on specific chapters and excerpts. Primary source |
11 events,
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The 2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival returns to historic Touro Park in Newport on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hosted by the Japan-America Society of Southern New England (JASNE), this free outdoor cultural celebration honors the enduring ties between Rhode Island and Japan tracing back to Newport native Commodore Matthew
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Please help us celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country by partaking in our event concerning the indigenous population during the Revolutionary War Period. There assistance was invaluable in the plight against the British. There will be presentations from Dr. Loren Spears, Executive Director of the Tomaquag Museum. Miski Thompson will speak about the cultural
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Something happens when people sew together. Conversations, quiet, creative discovery and personal connection. Over time, we create something that could never exist if we did it alone and the artifact lives on to tell our story. Join artist Bob Dilworth in assembling a community textile dedicated to Cato Vernon. Using fabric printed with photos created |
7 events,
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This book talk from author and historian Jan Lancaster will share the story of Arthur Bowler, an enslaved African, who lived in the house later called the Vernon House for at least a decade — before Cato Vernon’s time. She’ll discuss the clues available about his life in Newport, and his subsequent life in Portsmouth,
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As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, please join us for Aurea’s compelling program, New and Dangerous Opinions of Roger Williams. Set during the founding of Rhode Island, a dramatic political and philosophical time in colonial America, the program shines a light on his contemporary relevance, his groundbreaking revolutionary ideas, and |
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5 events, |
8 events,
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Join us for watercolor class where we will use for inspiration the original Merit Badge given to soldiers for excellent service during the American Revolution that Cato Vernon may have received. All levels. Beginner friendly. Free for all.
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Soul Value, performed by April H. Brown and Jessica T. Pearson, brings to life the stories of New England Black women—Elleanor Eldridge, Elizabeth Freemen, and Margaret Kinnicutt—and the men of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment during and after the American Revolutionary War. Through a dynamic blend of monologue, dance, ritual, and song, Soul Value highlights
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Write to Grow is an evening writing workshop facilitated by local poet Hannah Little, exploring a different topic in mindfulness, wellbeing and personal growth through reading, writing and sharing. This session's theme is Tolerating Discomfort. Participants read a short text together, write in response, and share as much or as little as they wish. No |
6 events,
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Soul Value is an inclusive historical storytelling experience that draws directly on bibliographies, written records, and court documents housed in colonial and state archives, transforming primary-source research into embodied performance narratives. By translating archival materials into monologue, dance, ritual, and song, Soul Value connects documented history to lived experience, making the past accessible and resonant |
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The SSHSA Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Ida Lewis: The Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock Hear about Newport's life saving light keeper who gained national recognition for saving 18 lives.
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Something happens when people sew together. Conversations, quiet, creative discovery and personal connection. Over time, we create something that could never exist if we did it alone and the artifact lives on to tell our story. Join artist Bob Dilworth in assembling a community textile dedicated to Cato Vernon. Using fabric printed with photos created |
9 events,
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Join artist Lois Harada for a drop-in hands-on workshop featuring moveable, wood type and a printing press. Participants will set a word using antique letters, add ink in their favorite color, then make a unique print. No experience necessary and appropriate for children with adult help. Free for all.
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As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, please join us for Aurea’s compelling program, New and Dangerous Opinions of Roger Williams. Set during the founding of Rhode Island, a dramatic political and philosophical time in colonial America, the program shines a light on his contemporary relevance, his groundbreaking revolutionary ideas, and
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The award-winning Black nonprofit Stages of Freedom, in partnership with the RI 250 Commission, presents "A Concert for Freedom: Revolutionary Black and White Voices", a stirring public performance weaving music, spoken word, and American ideals, into a glorious tapestry of history and song as the concluding event of Rhode Island's celebration of our nation's 250th. |
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6 events,
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Drawing on marine and terrestrial archaeology, historic maps, journals, and newly interpreted primary sources, Rose Island’s Public History Program Manager Michael J. Simpson will explore the island’s role in the 1778 Rhode Island Campaign, from the British occupation of Newport and the construction of a hastily built battery, to the scuttling of the former HMS |
6 events,
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The selected photographs present artifacts recovered from Rhode Island’s first state prison, established in Providence in 1838 which photographic medium is uniquely situated to explore. These objects, preserved and cataloged by the Public Archaeology Laboratory, offer a rare and tangible connection to the early history of incarceration. Created as part of a larger body of |
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6 events,
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Something happens when people sew together. Conversations, quiet, creative discovery and personal connection. Over time, we create something that could never exist if we did it alone and the artifact lives on to tell our story. Join artist Bob Dilworth in assembling a community textile dedicated to Cato Vernon. Using fabric printed with photos created |
6 events,
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Cato Vernon’s struggle for freedom reverberates throughout history. At this community reading, you and your neighbors will pick up a script and join the 1500, a group of sharecroppers and tenant farmers from the bootheel of Missouri, as they camp out on the highway to protest the failings of the president’s New Deal. Based on |
Hosting an event or commemoration in your town? Share the details with us, and we’ll review and add it to our RI250 community calendar!
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ESTABLISHED 1776 • DOCUMENTING THE EVOLUTION OF FREEDOM
