PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 17, 2008) -- Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis invites the public to learn more about the history of public education in Rhode Island by visiting a free exhibit at the State Archives in downtown Providence.
“Educating Rhode Island: A History of Public Schooling” features many original manuscripts including a child’s "ciphering" book dated 1761 and the first law enacted by the General Assembly in 1800 mandating free public education in Rhode Island.
The exhibit also highlights the emergence of the Narragansett Indian School, the School for the Deaf and the State Normal School – which was the forerunner of Rhode Island College – as well petitions dealing with equal educational opportunity for children of color and child laborers.
“People will be surprised to learn that free public education for all Rhode Island children did not happen overnight. This exhibit highlights the progress we have made in extending access to a good education to all our children,” said Mollis. “I hope exposure to history like this will inspire Rhode Islanders and remind them of the unique treasures the State Archives has to offer.”
The exhibit is on display through June 30 at the State Archives located at 337 Westminster St., Providence. Free parking is available at the In-Town Parking lot adjacent to the State Archives.
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.
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