RISHM History
Since its founding in 2019, 16 bronze medallions have been installed across Rhode Island. The public’s desire for historical recognition and more equitable, accurate story telling is driving our mission.
Our medallions, tours and education programs provide an interactive and accessible history of previously untold real-life stories of our Black and Native American ancestors, and the vital contributions these individuals made to the nation.
Organized
Organized in 2017, Newport native Charles Roberts was concerned by the lack of African-American historic presence in the Newport landscape. As a child, he was unaware of the significance of the history of the city as it related to enslaved and freed Black people’s lives. Roberts created the initial design of the medallion and worked to gather a group of like-minded people— historians, educators and artists— to form RISHM, with a mission to mark the landscape to highlight the legacies of the enslaved and RI’s role in the Atlantic slave trade.
Founded
The RISHM organization won its state and federal non-profit status, and Roberts became its first executive director. The first medallion was installed at Patriots Park, a National Heritage Site, in 2019.
1st Medallion Installation
The first Rhode Island Slave History Medallion is installed at Patriots Park in Portsmouth. Patriots Park is the location where many Black, Native and mixed ethnicity soldiers fought in the Battle of Rhode Island in the summer of 1778 during the American Revolution.
2nd Set of Medallions Installed
During 2020, RISHM oversaw the installation of 2 new medallions at Bowen's Wharf in Newport and Smith's Castle in North Kingstown.
3rd Set of Medallions Installed
During 2021, RISHM oversaw the installation of 3 new medallions at East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown, the Linden Place Museum and the DeWolf Warehouse and Wharf in Bristol.
Funding
RISHM received funding from the Heritage Harbor Foundation, Channing Memorial Church, BankNewport, and the Newport Historical Society. In 2020, and again in 2022, RISHM received a $10,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation.
Rhode Island General Assembly recognition
In 2020, a resolution, RI H7643, was sponsored in the Rhode Island General Assembly by Representatives Lauren Carson, Marvin Abney, Joseph Almeida, Raymond Hull, and Anastasia Williams, entitled "House Resolution Recognizing The Rhode Island Slave History Medallion Statewide Education Program."
The bill formally recognized RISHM as a statewide education program and stated; "The Rhode Island History Medallions Project will make the history of the Slave Trade in Rhode Island more accessible to Rhode Islanders. The Medallions placed at slave-related historical localities serve as awareness educational symbols. In the words of Mr. Lonnie B. Bunch, III, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, "Let us use history to inspire us to push a country forward, to help us believe that all things are possible and to demand a country lives up to its stated ideals."
The bill was signed by Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee.
The bill formally recognized RISHM as a statewide education program and stated; "The Rhode Island History Medallions Project will make the history of the Slave Trade in Rhode Island more accessible to Rhode Islanders. The Medallions placed at slave-related historical localities serve as awareness educational symbols. In the words of Mr. Lonnie B. Bunch, III, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, "Let us use history to inspire us to push a country forward, to help us believe that all things are possible and to demand a country lives up to its stated ideals."
The bill was signed by Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee.
4th Set of Medallions Installed
In 2022, RISHM oversaw the installation of 4 new medallions at the Rocky Hill Country Day School in East Greenwich, Casey Farm in North Kingstown, the Barrington Public Library and Trinity Church in Newport.
5th Set of Medallions Installed
In 2023, RISHM oversaw the installation of 2 new medallions in Newport, one at the William Ellery Channing - Duchess Quamino House and the William Vernon House.
1st Annual Newport Juneteenth Celebration in Washington Square
The family-friendly event offered multicultural and historical programs for all ages, featuring colonial militia reenactors and encampments at the Friends Meeting House grounds, Eisenhower Park colonial craft demonstrations, African and Indigenous tribal representatives, speakers, historic Colony House tours, live music, children’s programs, and a food court.
6th Set of Medallions Installed
In 2024, RISHM oversaw the installation of 3 new medallions in Newport, at St. John's Episcopal Church, the Shiloh Baptist Church, and the Ezra Stiles House, as well as 1 new medallion in Providence at the Stephen Hopkins House.
Newport Black History Walking Tours
RISHM's Newport Black History Walking Tours officially opens to the public. The Tours explores the legacy of slavery in Rhode Island and the narrative of Newport's African-American community during the colonial era.
2nd Annual Newport Juneteenth Celebration in Washington Square
This second annual Juneteenth program paid tribute to RI’s role in the founding of our nation by honoring the historic 1st RI “Black” Regiment and the many cultures representing America’s rich diversity featuring gospel music; colonial music by Bristol Fife & Drum Corps; traditional Indigenous dance performance by the award-winning Narragansett folk artist Thawn Harris and family; drum performance by master African artist Sidy Maiga with a hands-on Drum Circle; and storytelling by Valerie Tutson of the RI Black Storytellers; plus regional historic regiment demonstrations, and more.
