Rhode Island is home to a variety of cultural institutions, including historic libraries and museums. The state boasts the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, the Providence Athenaeum, and public libraries in Providence and Westerly with special collections on topics such as whaling and Irish literature. The Rhode Island Historical Society operates the John Brown House Museum and the Museum of Work and Culture, offering insights into the state’s history. The Rhode Island School of Design Museum houses notable collections of early Rhode Island furniture and silver.
Providence features significant architectural sites such as the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America and the Governor Stephen Hopkins House. Preservation societies in Providence and Newport work to restore and preserve historic homes, while the state Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission supports research and publications. Newport’s cultural heritage is exemplified in attractions like the Newport Historical Society Museum and Touro Synagogue National Historic Site.
In addition to cultural attractions, Rhode Island offers a variety of recreational activities, particularly centered around the water. Tourism plays a significant role in the state’s economy, with historical sites on the mainland and attractions on Block Island. Newport is a popular destination, known for its Gilded Age mansions and recreational opportunities such as sportfishing and yachting. The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Newport, where the first championships of the U.S. Golf Association were held in 1895.
Source
Photo credit www.britannica.com