When Discover Newport extends an invitation, I rearrange my schedule to attend. Newport’s equivalent of a local tourism board (which was recently awarded several “Best of’ Awards)’s monthly, off-peak Marketing Meeting is a gathering I never miss.
When the topic is both steeped in Rhode Island’s history and outlining and educating us on our state’s future year of economic opportunity, I take out my notepad. This month’s meeting, held at the exquisite and historic Redwood Library & Athenaeum, featured Lauren Fogarty, Program Coordinator for the Rhode Island 250 Commission’s upcoming Semiquincentennial celebrations; Mark Brodeur, Associate Vice President of Tourism Marketing for RI Commerce; and Liz Tanner, Executive Director of Ocean State 2026 and former RI Secretary of Commerce.
The industry-related meeting was presented by Discover Newport’s Vice President of Marketing, Kathryn Farrington, with a surprise cameo appearance and brief talk from the organization’s recently retired President & CEO, Evan Smith, who introduced his special guest, Victoria Jackson.
As the meeting convened, The Redwood Library & Athenaeum’s Executive Director, Benedict Leca, Ph.D., warmly welcomed the group of local business and hospitality leaders.
The beautiful architectural significance, historic provenance, and literary and portrait collections of The Redwood Library & Athenaeum were, without exception, the main event. This venue made the perfect backdrop to discuss — among industry colleagues and business leaders — what next year will bring in Newport and the state of Rhode Island, and how we as small businesses, non-profits, retailers, hoteliers/restauranteurs, cultural/historic institutions, and sporting organizations can prepare for this opportunity – beginning now.
Celebrating America’s 250th and Bringing it Closer to Home
On July 4, 2026, America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The RI250 Commission was set up in 2021 by the General Assembly and consists of 30 appointed members. It is tasked with encouraging civic pride, supporting economic development, and sharing our state’s history through organizing and participating in activities marking Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution.
Rhode Island 250: Commemorating our Legacy. Embracing our Future.
“The mission of the RI250 Commission is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of events throughout history which influenced the ideals of freedom, equality, and independence in our country. The purpose is to highlight and acknowledge the significant role Rhode Island has played in the formation of our nation as one of the original 13 colonies.”
In her comments, Fogarty outlined the Commission’s signature initiatives, which will include:
- A Revolutionary Rhode Island Teacher Professional Development Series
- A Liberty Tree Planting in each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns
- A statewide grant program for community-led events and projects to promote RI250 programming across the Ocean State. [The first 30 grants will soon be awarded, and Round 2 applications are due January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Awards will be announced in mid-February. For more information on how to qualify or apply, visit https://rhodeisland250.org/ri250s-grant-program/ ]
- Partnerships with WaterFire, local historic sites, and cultural institutions
- A RI250 Honor Flight to Washington, DC to honor our veterans in May 2026.
Fogarty expressed the Commission’s mandate and desire to include all geographical and demographical populations in its Semiquincentennial programming and grants, and she welcomed input from all participants and prospective partners. Fogarty can be reached at lfogarty@sos.ri.gov.
“As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, I’m excited to see how Rhode Islanders come together to honor the state’s pivotal role in shaping the ideals of freedom, equality, and independence. Together, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for civic engagement and growth in communities across the state,” said Fogarty. “Each Liberty Tree we plant, each community grant we award, and each educator we connect with ensures that all Rhode Islanders have the opportunity to engage with and take pride in our shared history.”
Brodeur, representing RI Commerce, announced an 18-month editorial partnership with the History Channel that will highlight, among other things, the First Black RI Regiment and many of Rhode Island’s 65 historical museums, thematic trails, and walking tours.
Rhode Island’s celebration will be especially extraordinary and educational due to the early colony’s unique role in the American Revolution. For history buffs, I highly recommend listening to Kevin Padula’s podcast, “The Story of Rhode Island”; you can also follow it on YouTube. Additionally, The American Revolution, a Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt will premiere a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series on PBS beginning November 16, 2025.
Part 2 of this WUN RI women-led organization series will feature the Rhode Island Summer of Soccer activities in 2026.
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.