Roger Williams

https://www.nps.gov/rowi/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Williams_National_Memorial The Roger Williams National Memorial is a landscaped urban park located on a common lot of the original settlement of Providence, Rhode Island, established by Roger Williams in 1636, bounded by North Main, Canal, and Smith Streets, and Park Row. The memorial commemorates the life of the co-founder of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and a champion of the ideal of religious freedom. Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his beliefs, and he founded this colony as a place where all could come to worship as their conscience dictated without interference from the state. "I acknowledge that to molest any person, Jew or Gentile, for either professing doctrine, or practicing worship meerly religious or spiritual, is to persecute him, and such a person (whether his doctrine or practice be true or false) suffers persecution for conscience." -Roger Williams, 1644 Banished by the English and saved by the First Peoples, Roger Williams founded Providence here in 1636. From Interstate 95 North, take Exit 38 - State Offices. Stay to the right. At end of exit, go straight. At next light, make a left onto Smith St. At light, make a right and then a quick left into the memorial's parking lot. From Interstate 95 South, take Exit 38 - Charles Street. Make a right onto Charles St. and take first left onto Ashburton Street. Continue straight through three lights. After the third light, take a quick left into the memorial parking lot. Visitor Center We're excited to welcome you to the park! Our grounds are open from dawn to dusk, and our Visitor Center is here to greet you Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Stop by to grab your passport stamp, enjoy a fascinating 5-minute video about Roger Williams' life, and explore informative panels and exhibits showcasing his enduring influence on America today. We can't wait to share this enriching experience with you! From Interstate 95 North, take Exit 23 - State Offices. Go straight to second light and make a left onto Smith Street. At the bottom of the hill, make a right onto Canal Street and a quick left into the memorial parking lot. From Interstate 95 South, take Exit 23 - Charles Street. Take first left onto Ashburton Street and continue straight through three lights. After the third light, take a quick left into the memorial parking lot. The Hahn Memorial and Crabapple Orchard View of the historic well through crabapple trees Roger Williams NM National Memorial Grounds Shady lawn along a brick pathway Visit the lawns for a moment of reflection Crabapple Orchard Picnic Area Accessible tables in the picnic area The Crabapple Orchard is a great place to rest and relax Visitor Center Historic building with lamppost and sidewalk The Roger Williams National Memorial Visitor Center View of the park in early spring. View of the park in early spring. View of the park in early spring. Ranger helping a child with an activity Ranger helping a child with an activity Ranger helping a child with an activity National Park Getaway: Roger Williams National Memorial Forced to flee from his home and family, Roger Williams radical ideas on religious freedom helped to form the rights that Americans enjoy today. The national memorial allows visitors to look inward about many of the very questions that concerned Roger Williams himself. Colorful, large, wall exhibit titled "New and Dangerous Opinions" National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Roger Williams: Rebel, Revolutionary, Radical Discover how the ideas put forth by Williams would become part of the formation of the Republic, influencing such important words as the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, which starts with three simple words: "We the People." Roger Williams in the wilderness Roger Williams, Religious Freedom, and a Jewish Legacy The Hahn Memorial is a structure within Roger Williams National Memorial. This article describes the building of it in the 1930s by a prominent judge in Rhode Island and person of Jewish heritage. It also references the inspiration that inspired its construction -- Roger Williams's belief in religious freedom.