“Roger Williams and His World”: A presentation by 鶹ɫƬ Professor of History Charlotte Carrington-Farmer and historical reenactor John McNiff
Get to know Roger Williams – the 17th-century founder of Providence, R.I., and our university namesake – in a conversation between 鶹ɫƬ Professor of History Charlotte Carrington-Farmer and historical reenactor John McNiff.
In her new book, Carrington-Farmer illuminates the life of Roger Williams through little-known stories, from his childhood in England to his escape to America, and subsequent banishment from Massachusetts for his “new and dangerous opinions” on religious freedom, separation of church and state, and Indigenous land rights. Traveling more than 80 miles, Williams fled through a brutal winter storm and made it to the land he later called Providence with the help of the local Indigenous communities.
Williams founded Providence in 1636, a colony that was “arguably the freest in the western world,” according to Carrington-Farmer. It was the only place where religion was unconnected to citizenship and people were free to practice their chosen religion. He settled the town of Providence with the permission of the Narragansett Sachems, the first person in the colonies to seek a land agreement with Indigenous Nations and to publicly rebuke England’s claims that the land was unoccupied and free for the taking. Not all of Williams’ story, however, paints him as a hero ahead of time – there are some difficult truths about his life during this complex time that Carrington-Farmer has revealed in her research.
On Tuesday, March 25, you are invited to spend an evening with Carrington-Farmer and McNiff as part of a special presentation on “Roger Williams and His World” at 鶹ɫƬ. Carrington-Farmer will share insights and stories from Williams’ life and hold a conversation with McNiff, who will portray Williams in 17th-century dress and language, about his revolutionary views and key events in his life.
Prior to the presentation, there will be a historical exhibit and student research poster presentation from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Global Heritage Hall (GHH) first floor lobby. The historical exhibit will feature Roger Williams artifacts and memorabilia from the Rhode Island Historical Society and from 鶹ɫƬ’s own Roger Williams Family Association archive collection. In collaboration with the National Park Service Roger Williams National Memorial, students will present original research on Roger Williams and his wife, Mary Williams, who played her own vital role in the community of Providence. Cookies, coffee, and tea will be served.
This event is sponsored by the 鶹ɫƬ Marketing and Communications Department.
Please join all of us at 鶹ɫƬ in sharing an exciting evening in conversation with Charlotte Carrington-Farmer and John McNiff. This 鶹ɫƬ presentation is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to events@rwu.edu.
Any questions or special accommodations can be directed to (401) 254-3166.