Religious freedom is a cornerstone of American democracy, but we often lose sight of the fact that our own religious freedom requires that each of us be tolerant of those who believe differently. The first settlers of Rhode Island, however, were very clear on this issue, and it allowed Newport to very quickly become a place where many differing congregations were attracted to the tip of this small island. Newport became, in fact, the most religiously diverse, and the most specifically tolerant of all Colonial cities.

The Newport Historical Society believes that this diversity, and the tolerance that allowed it, is an important historical moment to contemplate today. Join us at a special History Space Event to learn about the various faiths that helped give Rhode Island its character. You will have an opportunity, if you wish, to sit in contemplation in Newport’s 1699 Quaker meeting House. Finally, you may also choose to help us to make this new program as evocative and as successful as possible; input will be solicited following the event to assist us to evaluate and improve it for continued programming.

This Newport Historical Society History Space event takes place at the Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell Street, Newport, RI on Saturday, August 28th. The program runs 1pm – 3pm. A suggested donation of $5 per person is not required but will cheerfully be accepted.