PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 18, 2008) – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis invites the public to honor July 4 by learning about Rhode Island’s independence at the State Archives in downtown Providence.
Among the treasures available for viewing are the document that declared Rhode Island’s independence from England’s King George III on May 4, 1776, and Rhode Island’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence, signed by John Hancock and Rhode Islanders Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery.
“There are many ways to mark our nation's independence. Seeing these historic documents for yourself can make the history of our state come alive,” said Mollis.
Additionally, there are acts of the General Assembly dating from 1776 dealing with the printing, publication and public-reading of the Declaration of Independence. Also available is the bill a stagecoach company submitted to the state for delivering copies of the Declaration of Independence to each of Rhode Island’s then 29 towns.
“My goal is to preserve and protect the state’s rich past. I hope exposure to history like this will inspire Rhode Islanders and remind them of the unique treasures the State Archives has to offer,” said Mollis.
Among the other historic documents preserved at the State Archives is the Act Extending the Right to Vote to Women Citizens and a copy of the original 1638 deed for Providence, which was handwritten by Roger Williams. The State Archives routinely features new exhibits highlighting specific parts of Rhode Island history.
Located at 337 Westminster St., Providence, the facility is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available at the In-Town Parking lot adjacent to the facility. For more information on the history of Rhode Island’s independence at the State Archives, call (401) 222-2353 or visit www.sec.state.ri.us.