Rhode Island is unique among the original thirteen states. Settled by religious dissenters and outcasts, without a Royal Charter, without the backing of financial investors, and eyed suspiciously and threatened by its neighbors, the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in America took root, survived, developed as a prosperous colony, and nurtured the idea of religious toleration that became one of the core founding principles in America.

Join us as we study the colonial period of settlement for Rhode Island, from 1636-1763. Topics will include the settlement experience in the four towns that became the colony: Providence, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick; the Native American experience before European contact; development of a colonial economy; slavery in Rhode Island; Rhode Island and the slave trade; religious freedom and the lively experiment; Rhode Island paper money; pirates and privateers; and additional topics as class members develop interest.

Format: Members will be expected to select a topic for class presentation and discussion.

Resources/Expenses: There is not an assigned text for the class. The coordinator will provide recommended print and web-based resources.