PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is showcasing some of the more unique and unexpected collections available at the Rhode Island State Archives through a new exhibition series called: "For the Record."
The first exhibition in this series is titled: "150 Years of Big Ideas in Little Rhody." This three-dimensional exhibition explores the history of inventions and industries in Rhode Island through functional patent models, trademarks, and incorporation documents of businesses that found their home in the biggest little state in the Union.
Highlights of the current display include:
• A patent model of a coffee urn, 1879.
• Ann Franklin's petition to print the Acts of the Colony, 1736.
• A trademark application for "DelSesto Bakery," 1940.
"Our State Archives holds countless artifacts that help tell the story of Rhode Island," Secretary Gorbea said. "This exhibition series provides an opportunity to show off some of the more obscure items in our collection and gives visitors a better understanding of the variety of resources and pieces of Rhode Island history available at the Archives."
"For the Record: 150 years of Big Ideas in Little Rhody" will run through February 2019.
The Rhode Island State Archives, a division of the Rhode Island Department of State, is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 337 Westminster Street in downtown Providence. Two-hour validated parking during business hours is available adjacent to the building at Down City Parking.
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