2026-2027 PROGRAM

Our meetings are open to the public. Members are encouraged to bring a friend!
Programs may be subject to cancellation due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please check this page for updates, or contact recording-secretary@rogerwilliams.org to be added to an email update list.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 - 2:30 PM
POLO MATCH: USA VS. ENGLAND
The USA faces England in one of the series' most historic international matchups. England played a central role in modernizing polo and bringing it to America in the late 19th century, which led to the formation of America's first polo club in Newport, RI. Tickets can be purchased for $25 online or cash upon entering the parking lot. We shall gather at 2:30pm and set up on the right where the food trucks are -- look for the table with the Roger Williams Family Association banner. Feel free to bring snacks and the beverage of your choice. The Association will provide cucumber sandwiches, scones, crumpets, and authentic English tea. A blanket or lawn chair is recommended. Suggested attire: red, white, and blue! The polo match will begin at 4:00pm.
RSVP by August 28, 2026 to Dawn Williams at 401-418-9971.
GPS: Newport Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026 - 11:00 AM
FOUNDER’S FAMILY DAY SERVICE AND TOUR OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMERICA
We will gather to honor the legacy of Founder Roger Williams who pioneered the Baptist religion at the First Baptist Church. A tour of the church will be conducted following the service. Parking can be difficult, so plan arrival time accordingly. Members and guests are invited to gather afterwards for lunch and a brief meeting at 2:00pm at Jackie’s Galaxy Waterplace Park, where a car valet is available.
RSVP by September 28, 2026 to Dawn Williams at 401-418-9971.
GPS: First Baptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street, Providence, RI. Jacky's Galaxy Waterplace Park, 200 Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2026 - 1:00 PM
LECTURE AT GREAT SWAMP MONUMENT 
Brook Ross will give a lecture regarding the Great Swamp Fight, often called the Great Swamp Massacre, a pivotal battle in King Philip's War that occurred on December 19, 1675, in present-day South Kingstown, RI. A colonial force of over 1,000 New Englanders and their indigenous allies attacked the largest remaining fortified winter camp of the Narragansett tribe, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Native American men, women, and children. Those wanting to continue on after the initial talk at the monument should bring a bagged lunch and be dressed appropriately for trail hiking to explore additional areas of historical significance.
No RSVP needed.
GPS: Great Swamp Monument Road, West Kingston, RI 02892.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2026 - 12:30 PM
HOLIDAY PARTY AT PAWTUXET ARMORY
Our holiday party will be held at the historic Pawtuxet Armory, built in 1842. We will celebrate with a light holiday luncheon and holiday caroling. Come prepared for an old-fashioned cookie swap; everyone will go home with a selection of different cookies to start off the holidays. Luncheon cost is $10 per person.
RSVP by December 5, 2026 to Dawn Williams at 401-418-9971.
GPS: Armory Hall, 59 Remington Street, Warwick, RI 02888.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2027 - 1:00 PM
TOUR OF BLITHEWOLD MANOR, GARDENS & ARBORETUM
Blithewold is a 33-acre historic estate on Narragansett Bay, featuring a 45-room mansion and extensive daffodil gardens designed in the Arts and Crafts style, with a significant collection of rare plants and trees. It's a nationally recognized example of the Country Place era, offering self-guided tours for $16 of the mansion and grounds, which are known for their distinct garden "rooms," a large Great Lawn, and waterfront views. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and a bag lunch for a brief meeting afterwards.
RSVP by April 4, 2027 to Dawn Williams at 401-418-9971.
GPS: Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809.

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2027 - 1:00 PM
TOUR OF JAMESTOWN WINDMILL
The Jamestown Windmill is a smock mill, a 30-foot high windmill built in 1787 to coarse grind flint corn to feed to animals and finer corn meal for farm families to eat. It was built on a half-acre of Col. Joseph Wanton's farm, confiscated because he was a Tory, after the British occupational forces destroyed the previous mill around the time of the Battle of Rhode Island. A brief meeting will follow the tour. Bring a bag lunch and lawn chair.
RSVP by May 22, 2027 to Dawn Williams at 401-418-9971.
GPS: Jamestown Windmill, 382 North Road, Jamestown, RI 02835.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2027 - 1:00 PM
TOUR OF JOY HOMESTEAD
Enjoy the historical significance of Cranston’s Joy Homestead and the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route on old Scituate Avenue, a lasting reminder of life in early Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest properties in Cranston and many of the families significant to Rhode Island history are connected with this house, including the Fenners, Westcotts, Randalls and Warners. Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted. Following the tour, we will gather at 2:30pm for lunch and a brief meeting at Twin Oaks Restaurant.
RSVP by June 19, 2027 to Dawn Williams at 401-418-9971.
GPS: Joy Homestead, 156 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921. Twin Oaks Restaurant, 100 Sabra Street, Cranston, RI 02910.