The Rhode Island State House is getting ready to celebrate the return of the Independent Man statue. The 14-foot figure was taken down to the floor last fall for major renovations, but officials say it’s back and ready to take a stand for Rhode Islanders.
“As promised, I want to make sure that Rhode Islanders have another chance to see the Independent Man up close and experience an exciting part of Rhode Island history before the statue returns to its perch later this year,” said Governor Dan McKee. “He has his shine back, and I have to say, he is looking sharp.”
The statue was made in 1899 and stands on top of the Rhode Island State House. The renovations were sparked by drone footage that revealed the marble base on which the statue rests was compromised. The state was quick to remove the statue and hire a conservator to restore the original gold leaf surface.
The conservator added an overlayer of gold leaf on top of the electroplating which will help protect the original surface from the elements. Officials say the statue will be on display in the foyer of the State House beginning on Saturday, May 4 from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
Once the statue is on display, the public will be able to view it for two hours on Saturday. The statue will remain on display at the State House throughout the summer. Plans are currently underway to return the statue to the top of the State House this fall. The return of the statue is being timed to coincide with the 1776 anniversary when Rhode Island became the first colony to renounce allegiance to England.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.