RI to celebrate Independence Day with State House tours
by: Benjamin Aliber
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Ocean State will celebrate its Independence Day this weekend by opening the R.I. State House to the public for both guided and self-guided tours.
Rhode Island Independence Day is celebrated on May 4, which is the same day in 1776 when the state became the first colony to renounce its allegiance to England.
Guided tours of the R.I. State House begin at 10 a.m. and will depart every half hour until 11:30 a.m. Self-guided tours begin at noon and end at 2 p.m.
“Rhode Island played a critical role in the American Revolution,” R.I. Secretary of State Gregg Amore said. “Visiting the State House to enjoy a tour of this incredible building and learn about the Act of Renunciation is the perfect way to recognize Rhode Island Independence Day.”
The newly-refurbished Independent Man, which was taken down for repairs last year, will be display in the State House lobby for the occasion.
Mark Rabinowitz, the conservator responsible for restoring the statue, will explain the process in presentations at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
“I can’t think of a better homecoming than returning the Independent Man to the State House on Rhode Island’s Independence Day,” Gov. Dan McKee said.
A pop-up exhibit called “Rhode Island’s Revolutionary Communities” with information about the states’ role in the American Revolution will also be on display, as well as the original Act of Renunciation passed by the General Assembly.