Rhode Island Independence Day Open House

Join us as we open the doors to the Old State House for the first time in 18 months — and as we celebrate the start of our RI250 programming!

The Old State House (1762) in Providence was one of five seats of government in early Rhode Island, and it was where, on May 4, 1776, the General Assembly voted to separate from the British Crown. The Act of Renunciation became an important symbol of independence in the colonies and made Rhode Island a vanguard of the Revolutionary movement.

If you can only drop by the open house for a few minutes, make it these 15 minutes. At 3:45, actor and cultural curator Joe Wilson Jr. will read the revolutionary document that changed history in the room where it happened.

Offered in partnership with the City of Providence and the Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism.

Remarks and Reading of the Act of Renunciation: 3:45

preservation.ri.gov/events/rhode-island-independence-day-open-house