RIHS Commemorates the 250th

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this milestone, the Rhode Island Historical Society will explore Rhode Island’s part in shaping our nation’s history and culture throughout the year through our public programming, educational initiatives, exhibits, social media content, and more!

This yearlong, virtual series will see the RIHS connect with history and heritage partners in the other 13 original colonies to highlight their state’s histories and 250th celebrations. Each monthly offering will be held at 12:30pm. Registration is free. Upcoming partners include:

March 25: Pennsylvania’s Heinz History Center

April 13: Connecticut’s Eric Sloane Museum

May 7: Georgia Historical Society

June: Maryland’s Historic Annapolis

July: Massachusetts Historical Society

RIHS members receive the exclusive benefit of monthly behind-the-scenes tours of sites throughout Rhode Island and southern New England. This year’s series of programs will highlight locations related to RI’s revolutionary roots. Upcoming programs include:

March: The Rhode Island State House

April 7: Roger Williams National Memorial

May 20: Tour of Butts Hill with the Battle of RI Association

June: The Nathanael Greene Homestead

July: Battleship Cove

The John Brown House Museum will continue its series of living history events, in which visitors can learn more about day-to-day life during the Revolutionary period by engaging with costumed historical interpreters and often participating in hands-on crafts or tastings. Upcoming programs include:

March 7: Tea in 18th Century Rhode Island

April 4: Meet George and Martha Washington

May 2: Rhode Island Independence Day

July 18: Declaration of Independence

Each year, more than half a million students in grades 6-12 are guided through a process of historical research, analysis, argumentation, and creative expression. Harnessing the effectiveness of project-based learning, National History Day asks students to conduct primary and secondary-source research on a historical topic of their choosing and present their work as an individual or group project in the form of a documentary film, exhibit, paper, performance, or website.

As the sponsor of National History Day in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Historical Society supports students and teachers throughout the NHD journey. We offer resources that help students in historical research, developing compelling arguments, and preparing projects for competition. We are also dedicated to providing teachers with the training and tools for teaching NHD.

This year’s State Contest will be held on Saturday, April 25 at CCRI’s Knight Campus in Warwick. To learn more, visit our 2026 contest page.

We are pleased to announce the return of the RI250 Commission’s Teacher Workshop series, organized by the RIHS. This six-part series provides RI educators with paid professional development opportunities from content experts. This year’s series includes:

Wednesday, March 25 at 4:30pm at Varnum Armory in East Greenwich
“We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again” with Gerald Carbone

Tuesday, April 7 at 4:30pm at Newport Historical Society
“All Men Are Created Equal” with Dr. Akeia de Barros Gomes

Wednesday, April 22 at 4:30pm at TBD
“Securing the Blessing of Liberty” with Dr. Jane Lancaster

Wednesday, May 13 at Aldrich House in Providence
“We Hold These Truths” with Dr. Seth Rockman

Wednesday, May 27 at the John Brown House Museum in Providence
Women & Girls in Rhode Island’s Revolutions with Dr. Karin Wulf

June TBD at 4:30pm at North Kingstown Free Library
Nahahiganseck: People of the Small Point with Dr. Mack Scott