2025-2026 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 20, 2025 - 1:00 PM     NEW DATE!!!
WILLIAMS FAMILY COOKOUT
Since it’s still summer, let’s all meet for a cookout at the home of President Trish Woodard. Retired Park Ranger John McNiff will be on hand to talk about Roger Williams. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and homemade baked beans will be provided. Sides or desserts would be appreciated. Don’t forget to bring a chair.
RSVP by September 15th to Trish at (401) 330-0314 so she will know how much food will be needed.
GPS: 686 Ten Rod Road, Apt. A, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Please park across the street so we don’t block the right of way.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMERICA
250th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
Roger Williams founded the First Baptist Church in America in 1638 on the bedrock of religious liberty, with its principles of soul freedom and the separation of church and state, a ministry which continues to this day. The present church building was erected between 1774 and 1775 and held its first meetings in May 1775. This 250th anniversary will be celebrated with a variety of events at the church. On Saturday, activities between 9:00am and 4:00pm will include lectures by various scholars, tours of the meeting house, an art display, and an organ concert. On Sunday, we will attend the Founder’s Day Service at 11:00am, followed by lunch at Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille, 505 Silver Spring Street, Providence, RI 02904.
RSVP by October 4th to Helen Smith at (401) 423-0442 or hhsctc@aol.com.
GPS: First Baptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street, Providence, RI.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
TOUR OF JAMESTOWN MUSEUM
Although the museum is only open late May to mid-October, the Jamestown Historical Society is graciously opening its doors to our family group off-season. The museum offers displays on Jamestown's historic past, including life on the island, the ferries, and visitors such as George Washington and Lafayette. After our tour, we will gather for lunch at the Carriage Inn, 1065 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852.
RSVP by November 8th to Helen Smith at (401) 423-0442 or hhsctc@aol.com.
GPS: Jamestown Museum, 92 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown, RI 02835.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025 - 2:00 PM
TOUR OF PAWTUXET ARMORY & HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
We will begin with a short business meeting, then a brief tour of the armory and a light holiday luncheon. Last year’s cookie swap was such fun that many requested another. So dig out your favorite cookie recipe or pick up a dozen or two cookies from your favorite market or bakery to swap. We will all go home with a wonderful selection of cookies to start off the holiday season. Luncheon: $10 per person.
RSVP by December 6th to Helen Smith at (401) 423-0442 or hhsctc@aol.com.
GPS: Pawtuxet Rangers Armory, 59 Remington Street, Warwick, RI 02888.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 - 11:00 AM
TOUR OF NEW ENGLAND WIRELESS & STEAM MUSEUM
Enjoy a tour of this electrical and mechanical engineering museum, featuring working steam engines, an early wireless station, and technology archives. The museum, founded in 1964 and run solely by volunteers, is opening just for our Roger Williams group. Following the tour, we will meet for lunch, a business meeting, and some lively conversation at Gregg’s Restaurant, 4120 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown, RI 02852.
RSVP by April 11th to Helen Smith at (401) 423-0442 or hhsctc@aol.com.
GPS: New England Wireless and Steam Museum, 1300 Frenchtown Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818.

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026 - 11:00 AM
TOUR OF BETSEY WILLIAMS COTTAGE AND ROGER WILLIAMS PARK MUSEUM
Roger Williams Park was created in 1871 after Betsey Williams bequeathed 102 acres of farmland and woodland to the city of Providence to be used for public purpose. A portion of the gift included land that was shared with our ancestor, Roger Williams, by the Narragansett sachems, Canonicus and Miantonomo. We will visit two of the many park attractions - the Betsey Williams Cottage, for a rare look inside, and the Park Museum, built in 1896 on the highest point in the park. We will meet at the Betsey Williams Cottage to begin our tour, then head to historic Federal Hill for lunch at Angelo’s Restaurant, 141 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903.
RSVP by May 2nd to Helen Smith at (401) 423-0442 or hhsctc@aol.com.
GPS: Betsy Williams Cottage, Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI. The cottage is on Rose Avenue inside the park.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026 - 10:00 AM
VISIT TO SALISBURY FARM
This wagon ride adventure will feature strawberry picking, a visit to two historic cemeteries (Johnston Historical Cemeteries #42 - Squire William Salisbury Lot and #43 - Col. Israel Angell Burial Ground) for those looking for ancestors, and a fun ride throughout the farm. Be sure to explore the fresh vegetables and other treats offered at the farm stand. Cost: $15. We will then meet for lunch at Luigi’s Restaurant, 1357 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.
RSVP by May 30th to Helen Smith at (401) 423-0442 or hhsctc@aol.com.
GPS: Salisbury Farm, 11 Peck Hill Road, Johnston, RI 02919.