History enthusiasts and community members are invited to a unique tour of Butts Hill Fort on Saturday, October 19th, at 10:00 AM. The tour, presented as part of the “Discover Your Portsmouth” series, will feature live readings of historical documents by members of the Portsmouth Community Theater.
The event, organized by the Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee (BHFRC) of the Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA), in partnership with the Portsmouth Conservation Commission and Portsmouth Community Theater, aims to bring the fort’s history to life.
Richard Schmidt will read a letter from Major General Nathanael Greene to George Washington, while Jim Stearns will deliver a diary entry from Colonel Israel Angell, who commanded the 2nd RI Regiment during the battle. Denise Betz will present a poignant passage from Mary Gould Almy’s diary, describing the horrors of battle, and Dr. Ron Marsh will read the 1923 BHF dedication speech by Dr. Roderick Terry, who saved the fort.
The free event is open to the public. Parking is available at the Wealth Management lot at 35 Dyer St. and at Portsmouth High School’s tennis courts. Parking is not permitted on Butts St.
The Battle of Rhode Island Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of Rhode Island’s role in the War for Independence.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
