Roger Williams National Memorial

Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the life of 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 refuge where all could come to worship as their conscience dictated without interference from the state.

The Basics

Hours:

The Visitor Center at the Memorial is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25.

Address:

282 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02903

Phone:

401-521-7266

Map

Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island Map

Directions

From Interstate 95 North
Take Exit 23 - State Offices. Take a left at the light to the bottom of Orms Street. At light, right onto Charles Street; continue straight through one light, then quick left into memorial parking lot.

From Interstate 95 South
Take Exit 23 - Charles Street. Take first left and continue straight through three lights. After the third light, take a quick left into the memorial parking lot.

Climate

New England weather is subject to rapid change. Temperature during the summer is 70-90s, winter 20-40s and spring/fall 50-70s. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor activities, based on the season.

Fees

Admission to the Memorial and all educational programs are free.

Things To Do

At the Visitor Center discover the many contributions Roger Williams made to the cause of religious freedom through exhibits and videos. Walk through the landscaped park that includes the site of the fresh-water spring and common area of the first European settlement in Providence.

Walking tours and Ranger Programs are scheduled throughout the year. A Junior Ranger Activity Book is available from the Ranger at the Visitor Center.

The Memorial Visitor Center is a great starting location for planning your explorations of the very walkable city of Providence. Nearby highlights include the Benefit Street Mile of history, featuring the John Brown House pictured above, Waterplace Park and the rest of "Downcity" Providence. For more about what to do in Providence, please see the tourist information link to the right.

The Roger Williams National Memorial is also located within the larger John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Hertiage Corridor. To learn about about the Blackstone River Valley, please see the link to the right.

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