EDITORIAL

Sharing the rich story of Rhode Island

Posted 7/21/15

Rhode Island’s greatest assets, it can be argued, are its size, geographic and cultural diversity. In the Ocean State, a broad range of attractions – urban artistic institutions, rural farmlands, …

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EDITORIAL

Sharing the rich story of Rhode Island

Posted

Rhode Island’s greatest assets, it can be argued, are its size, geographic and cultural diversity. In the Ocean State, a broad range of attractions – urban artistic institutions, rural farmlands, world-class learning centers, beautiful waterfronts – are never more than an hour or so away.

Often less obvious as a resource, but no less vital, is the state’s rich history. Despite Rhode Island’s place of prominence in the nation’s past, many outsiders likely do not associate it with that tradition in the same way they do other locations.

Consider Boston’s national and even international reputation, one rooted – and rightfully so – in the city’s colonial and revolutionary significance. Highly successful brands, such as Samuel Adams, make much use of this legacy in their marketing. Tourists from across the globe visit Boston to see its historic landmarks, as they do Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Rhode Island has a long and distinguished story to tell. An early haven of religious liberty and tolerance, the state played a key role in the American Revolution, becoming the first to formally break from the British crown and the last to officially join the new United States.

It is considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America. Its sons and daughters have been key figures in our nation’s conflicts and events, from the Civil War through the present day.

The Gaspee Affair of 1772, the nation’s first blow for freedom, celebrated annually during Gaspee Days, stands out as just one of the episodes of note in Rhode Island’s past. Warwick state Rep. Joseph McNamara has made raising the Gaspee’s profile – and, more broadly, the state’s seafaring legacy – a priority.

McNamara has been a key force behind the study of shipwrecks in the area where the Gaspee is believed to have sunk. Working with Capitol TV, he has produced a documentary film focused on the search for the vessel’s remains.

McNamara has also made the case that highlighting Rhode Island’s maritime history can be a key piece of economic revitalization.

“We have to do a better job of promoting our historical maritime attractions,” he said.

Rhode Island may be the union’s smallest state, but it has much to offer. As it continues to find its way forward in a fast-changing world, its culture and past should be sources of pride.

The Ocean State may never be held in quite the same regard as places like Boston in that context, but we applaud those working to tell, and share, the story of the place we call home.

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