A bond issue that will likely be on the November ballot is a $45 million state archive building – a history center that would house many of the state’s important documents. Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, a former civics teacher, has been a strong advocate for an archive building since coming into office more than three years ago.
We recently had an opportunity to talk with Secretary Amore about the archive building, upcoming state elections, and the federal government’s efforts to gain access to state voting records.
In part one of two, we explore the archive building and 250th semi quincentennial events. In part two, which will appear on Tuesday, we’ll explore important election dates, and the federal government efforts to access voting records not only in Rhode Island but in many states throughout the country.
WUN: I believe it is expected that this November a state archives building is expected to be on the ballot.
AMORE: It is part of the governor’s budget. It has an article in the budget. The House and Senate are debating whether or not that should be included in the final budget proposal. We have made adjustments to the project suggested by House and Senate leadership. and we feel pretty good about the prospect of this article making it through the budget and making it on the ballot so that voters can decide whether or not to build this Rhode Island History Center Archives.
WUN: What is the expected cost of the bond issue?
AMORE: It’s around $45 million and that would create a really unique museum-type building where the treasures that the state has can be exhibited, displayed, and open to the public and can draw in tourists from around the country, around the world, and obviously from here in Rhode Island.
It would create an educational space as well. And then it would have an archival vault for the most sensitive of our documents and artifacts. That project would be located right across the street from the State House on Smith Street, on the corner of Park Street. That has been identified through a site study process.
WUN: Are we the only state in the in the country, I may be wrong, without an archives building?
AMORE: We are the only state that does not have a purpose-built state archives owned by the state. We are the only state that does not have a specific history center that celebrates and commemorates the state’s history.
WUN: Where are the archives now? Where do we keep those documents now?
AMORE: Those documents are in a leased space on Broad Street in Providence. There is very little exhibit space there. So if you were to ask us to see, let’s say, the Goddard copy of the Declaration of Independence, which is one of nine in the world, has the handwritten note from John Hancock that says it’s a true copy, you would have to make an appointment at the archives. It would take two of our archivists to remove that from its case, and then they’d bring it out to the reading room and stand over your shoulder as you looked at it.
So, we want to make sure that’s accessible to the public, like the National Archives. It will serve as an educational centerpiece of the history center.
WUN: You are a former civics teacher. I love the idea of Rhode Island History Center. That’s great for school kids, something that they can have access to, and understand the history of not only Rhode Island, but of this country.
AMORE: Sure. And, you know, we have the Charter Museum here at the State House, which is about the size of a closet. The Charter would move across the street as well and that is a magnificent document. It is the foundation of religious freedom in America. It’s in excellent condition, but it’s not as accessible as it should be. And so, what we’re hoping is that we will create a space that will draw folks in. It will also allow us to accept roving exhibits so we can display other artifacts and documents in American history, which we have a difficult time doing now.
We brought in the painting by Don Troiani of the Rhode Island First Regiment, American Revolution. We didn’t really have a proper place to display that and so things like that are important, we hope that this history center will provide that opportunity.
WUN: I often refer people to the Secretary of State’s website where there’s a lot of information about various events in history in the state of Rhode Island. That remains an important place. But this way, in an archives building, people can actually see those documents.
AMORE: Yeah, and Frank, you know, I’m, I’m one of those people that when I visit other states, I seek out their historical locations and their state museums and archives. I am never alone in those places. There are always plenty of tourists with me and plenty of locals who are taking that in. You know, destination tourism around history is popular. I think it will become even more popular as we celebrate the nation’s semi quincentennial. Every time Ken Burns does a documentary on American history more people visit historical sites around the nation, and this would be a great opportunity for us to be on that list.
WUN: We don’t have a shortage here in Rhode Island. I tell people just drive around the state to these historical, I call them little houses, but places like the Babcock Smith House, Gilbert Stuart birthplace, Nathaniel Greene Homestead, Smith-Appleby House in Smithfield, Smith’s Castle in North Kingstown. We have so many of these incredible places,
AMORE: You absorb so much of what our history has been in this state. Very rich history, many of the places you just mentioned play a large role in our celebration of the semi quincentennial. I would suggest going to Rhodeisland250.org and seeing the full calendar of events around celebrating 250 years of America and where they can go to see this history, hear some lectures, see some reenactments. There’s a full slate of events. There already has been a full slate of events leading up to this, but as we get closer to July 4th, that event list becomes even more intense.
WUN: On July 4th, you’ve got the special waterfire, with the Declaration of Independence viewing and with the Rhode Island Philharmonic. That should be a very special night.
AMORE: We’re actually going to have all of the copies of the Declaration of Independence on display here at the State House. And yes, a really beautiful waterfire tribute to 250 years of America, 250 American flags, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, displays, also some entertainment outside of the Philharmonic. It should be a wonderful evening.
WUN: One of the things that’s going on throughout the year is the Liberty Tree plantings around the state, in each community,
AMORE: That’s correct. 39 Liberty Trees will be planted in the 39 cities and towns. We have done about 15 of them thus far, and they are coming rapidly every week. We’re planting a Liberty Tree and placing a marker to commemorate 250 years, the Rhode Island 250 Commission. The Liberty Tree, as you know, is a, a rallying point in colonial America where the resistance to British policies was, was formed. It was a place where people got their information. It was a place where people could gather, united under the belief that we could break away from British tyranny. The first thing that the British did when they entered and occupied Boston was cut down the Liberty Tree. It was replaced by a pole. We’re planting 39 Liberty Trees here in Rhode Island. We’re actually planting two more. We’re going to plant one at the State House, one at the Veterans’ Cemetery in Exeter.
WUN: Other events that people should be aware of, highlights, over the next few months celebrating the 250th. What a great year to be voting for an archive building this 250th anniversary year. Seems to be so appropriate.
AMORE: I’m glad you brought that up because in 1976, during the bicentennial, the state invested in a legacy project, commemorating the bicentennial, and that was the Veterans Cemetery. And so, this is a great opportunity for the state to invest in another legacy project around our 250th birthday. So, I think that’s appropriate.
We have had a number of events. I would point to both the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Newport Historical Society, who are running a series of events leading up to the 250th on July 4th. There’s a great Juneteenth event in Newport. There is a list of events.
We just completed a fantastic one, the Rhode Island Honor Flight, the RI250 Honor Flight, where we took 35 veterans to DC to see the memorials to their service. We lay a RI250, Honor Flight wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown. World War II veterans, Korean War veterans, and Vietnam veterans were honored with the RI250 Honor Flight. So, it’s, uh, it’s been, uh, there’s been a series of great events, and there’ll be many more.
