RI State House Visitor Center Inaugural Event Scheduled for March 21st

Contact: Raina C. Smith

                                                                                                           Office:  401-222-4293           

rsmith@sos.ri.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 11, 2014

VISITOR CENTER INAUGURAL EVENT SCHEDULED FOR MARCH

Official Opening of State House Visitor Center to Include Book Signing by Author of Book on Thomas Dorr

PROVIDENCE, RI  --  Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis has announced that the Visitor Center’s Inaugural event will be held on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Governor’s State Room.

“The Visitor Center has been open for several months, but this is the official celebration,” said Mollis.  “I am proud to kick off this tremendous addition to the State House, and I hope the general public joins us.”

Immediately following opening remarks by Secretary Mollis, author Erik Chaput will speak about his book, The People’s Martyr: Thomas Wilson Dorr and His 1842 Rhode Island Rebellion, and sign copies in the hall outside the Visitor Center.  Chaput’s book discusses the national implications of the Dorr Rebellion, and is sold in the Visitor Center.

Video highlighting the Visitor Center: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDwNSCljBPU

Tens of thousands of people visit the Rhode Island State House each year.  The Visitor Center, located on the first floor of the State House, will provide visitors with Rhode Island keepsakes for sale, such as books, photographs, flags, medallions, maps, etc. and most of the items for sale are made locally in Rhode Island.   

The Visitor Center is located in Room 140 and hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.