PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Jan. 4, 2008) – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is inviting the public to a free photographic exhibit documenting the nearly 70-year history of the former Jamestown Bridge.
The construction, life and destruction of the Rhode Island landmark are captured in 12 four-foot by eight-foot panels that are on display through Jan. 31 at the State Archives, 337 Westminster St., Providence.
“This will bring back memories for anyone who ever traveled across the old Jamestown Bridge. Younger people will be surprised to learn that just 70 years ago there was no way to drive to Jamestown,” said Mollis. “I hope exposure to history like this will inspire Rhode Islanders and remind them of the unique treasures the state has to offer.”
Visitors to the exhibit can walk through the history of the bridge from its opening in 1940 through the demolition of the majority of the span in 2006. The exhibit is sponsored by the Jamestown Historical Society and the Public Archeology Lab.
Until the bridge connecting Jamestown with North Kingstown was built, access to the island was by boat. More than 12,000 vehicles crossed the bridge on the day it opened. Generations of Rhode Islanders recall the thrill of looking down at Narragansett Bay through the open-grid roadway as they drove across the top of the two-lane span. The bridge closed in October 1992 when the new Jamestown-Verrazano Bridge opened.
In addition to hosting monthly exhibits, the State Archives is also home to thousands of historic documents such as the Act Extending the Right to Vote to Women Citizens and a copy of the original 1638 deed for Providence in Roger Williams' handwriting. The facility is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information on the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.
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