People


 
Colorful painting with people and dogs relaxing next to a spring
Painting of colonists around the fresh water spring

Roger Williams is the founder of Rhode Island and a champion of the ideal of religious freedom. Williams, banished from Massachusetts for his beliefs, founded Providence in 1636. This colony served as a “shelter for persons distressed of conscience.” Williams preached that religion must not be subject to regulation by the state but, instead, that it should be a matter of individual conscience.

Learn more about Roger Williams and the people who influenced and inspired him:

 

Roger Williams and Others

Last updated: December 15, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

282 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02903

Phone:

401-521-7266 x207
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