Let's Make History Together

RISHM’s mission is to highlight the overlooked histories of Rhode Island’s free and enslaved African American and Indigenous communities. Through our statewide installation of interactive bronze medallions, research, public programs, and community partnerships, we raise awareness of Rhode Island’s significant role in American slavery, and its lasting legacy to this day.

To continue this vital work, we rely on the generosity of donors. Specifically we are asking our friends for financial support to help erect the George T. Downing statue within the next two years. If you are able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via the form below or by mailing a check to:

RI Slave History Medallions
PO Box 2505, Newport, RI 02840

Thank you for your continued support of our mission as we prepare to enter an important new chapter in 2026.

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RISHM General Expenses

Downing Commemorative Public Art Project

Medallion Installations & Public Programs

Black History Month Programming

Newport Juneteenth Celebration

Newport Black History Walking Tours

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Select Amount for Newport Black History Walking Tours

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Select Amount for Newport Black History Cultural Center

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Select Amount for Youth Education and Equity Training Initiative

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RISHM sincerely thanks the following donors and organizations for their recent donations:

Benefactors:

Historic Hill Neighborhood Association
RI State Legislator
RI State Senate
RI Commerce
Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund
Bank Newport
Prince Charitable Trust
Heritage Harbor Foundation
RI Foundation’s Newport County Fund
EJMP Fund for Philanthropy
Gruben Charitable Foundation

Patrons:

John Grosvenor
Society of Colonial Wars
United Way
The Diocese of Rhode Island
Michelle and Bob Drum
Anonymous
Beth & Russ Milham
Ruth Thumbtzen
Washington Trust Charitable Foundation

Ambassador/Allies:

Anonymous
Anonymous
Drew Carey & Lisa Coburn
Dave Dittmann
Catherine Hillary & Krishna Murti

Friends:

Abigail Congdon
Rick Best & Susan Taylor
Stephan Brigidi
Elizabeth Francis
Deborah Jones
Roger & Eileen Warburton
Judith Webb
Margaret Polski
Johann Patlak
Susan and Claudia Barnes and Helt
Cynthia Maynerd
Steve Kloeblen
Pauline Perkins-Moye
Theodore McDowell
Elizabeth Steel
Elsie Goodrum
Veronica Mays
Pam & Steve Parker

RISHM Programs

RISHM General Expenses

Administrative expenses (such as salaries, office supplies, and utilities), fundraising expenses, marketing and outreach, compliance and legal fees, and technology or software costs.

Downing Commemorative Public Art Project

Intended to ensure that the public remembers a key event or person through the representation of an aspect of that person or event In the form of a public artwork. It’s an artistic act of remembrance, All nations have either people or events that helped shape what they are today. George T. Downing was one of those people. Help us build a lastiing memory In Newport to his accomplishments.

Medallion Installations & Public Programs

Bronze medallions are installed at historic sites in honor of RI’s enslaved African and Indigenous people. In partnership with communities, we offer commemorative public programs and the rarely heard stories of their lives and contributions.

Black History Month Programming

Public humanities programs in history, films, music and more, highlight Black history and historical events each year during the month of February.

Newport Juneteenth Celebration

Washington Square comes alive each year with speakers, performing artists, historic militia, children’s activities, vendors and food trucks. Thanks to partners the City of Newport.

Newport Black History Walking Tours

Lost Stories of Resistance and Freedom are shared by tour guides leading participants to historic sites in Newport’s Historic District Hill. Program made possible by a major grant from RI Commerce.

Nonprofit Information

Mailing Address:
98 Kay St.
Newport RI 02840

501(c)3 Number: #84-4230962

GuideStar Profile

H 2020-7643 Resolution

“We’ve got to be responsible. Someone’s got to be responsible for it."

– George T. Downing