Welcome to Part 2 of a 2-part Series featuring the voices and origin stories of a few Adventure and Experience Women Entrepreneurs who are making Rhode Island even more fun and exciting for both residents and visitors alike. In WUN “Women Business Owner Voices” Part 1, we featured Rail Explorers and Paradigm Escape Rooms: fun adventures for all ages!
In Part 2, in honor of the Fourth of July weekend, we are featuring a new, innovative way to explore the fascinating history of Rhode Island: FreshMaps.
Just in time for Rhode Islanders to prepare for America’s 250th anniversary next year over July 4th weekend, North Kingstown-based entrepreneur Michelle Girasole is launching an innovative way for people of all ages to learn about Rhode Island’s complex and intriguing history, via self-guided, app-driven tours. To wit, Girasole’s surname translates to sunflower in Italian, and her sunny personality totally fits this description. 🌻
The first history learning app of its kind is launching in Rhode Island
What makes FreshMaps’ tours different is the fun gamification of the learning experience. For each location, FreshMaps delivers an interactive map with several themed pinpoints that share storyteller videos and a trivia/puzzle challenge, enabling participants to earn points and compete with others in their party. The interactive experience engages all ages and reinforces learning at each stop along the walking or driving tour.
Girasole shared her inspiration, “Most of my career has been in digital communications, and I’ve always had an interest in local history. As a young girl, our family business was a beachside motel in South County, and I wanted to get back into tourism and hospitality in some way.”
She is also a self-described huge history buff. “During the pandemic, I was looking for a new tech opportunity – and, like many people, I had a personal desire to get out from behind my desk and into the world! In 2022, I partnered with Barcelona-based Mooveteam to utilize their mobile app technology to create self-guided, scavenger hunt-style tour experiences in Rhode Island. FreshMaps digital learning maps came out of that collaboration and my interest in local history, education, and storytelling.”
Whereas museums and walking tours are offered at limited times, FreshMaps are self-guided. They can be enjoyed on the participants’ own schedules, individually or in groups – any time of day, year-round.
FreshMaps recently partnered with the Battle of Rhode Island Association to create “Revolutionary RI History Hunts” – a series of 10 map-guided driving and walking tours across the state, which tell stories of Rhode Island’s significant role in the American Revolution.
Girasole said, “We are grateful for the support of a RI Commerce tourism grant. We have not heard of any other state that is offering an experience like this, so it is very exciting, especially as we gear up for America’s 250th birthday celebrations!”
“It’s a great way to celebrate our freedom,” Girasole added, “by learning about those who helped us earn it.”
FreshMaps is extending a buy-one-get-one-free offer to What’s Up Newp readers through the end of September. When you purchase a Revolutionary Rhode Island History Hunt ($25) to download to your smartphone or tablet device, you can download another one to a second device for free, enabling your own competition with a friend or family member. Use code: WUN25 on www.FreshMaps.us, or call 401-578-3498.
Happy 283rd Birthday to General Nathanael Greene!
Michelle Girasole to be the featured speaker at Nathanael Greene’s
July 27th Birthday Celebration
Where: Gen. Nathanael Greene Homestead, 50 Taft St., Coventry, RI
When: Sunday July 27, 2025, 10 AM – 5 PM
About: Join the Nathanael Greene Homestead Association, as we celebrate Gen. Greene’s 283rd Birthday.
- 10 AM Ceremony, with featured speaker Michelle Girasole, founder of FreshMaps, on the topic of the Revolutionary contributions of General Greene and his wife, Catharine. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
- 11 AM FreshMaps History Hunt: Ms. Girasole will demonstrate FreshMaps History Hunt, a scavenger hunt-style experience that tells interesting stories of the Greene’s during and after the war, as well as sharing facts about Spell Hall and the Homestead property. This self-guided walking tour takes about an hour to complete. Fun for all ages.
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses, and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.