By Kate Wells, RI State Librarian
Overlooking downtown Providence from Smith Hill, the State House is the center of Rhode Island government. The State House is considered an outstanding example of American Renaissance architecture. Built from 1895-1904, it is famously the only state capitol ever designed by renowned architects McKim, Mead & White (who also renovated the White House). It was built between 1895 and 1904 using gleaming white Georgia marble.
Its facade is dominated by the fourth largest self-supported marble dome in the world. Famous throughout the state and symbolic of Rhode Island’s independent spirit, the “Independent Man” stands on top of the dome grasping a spear in one hand and resting the other on an anchor. Above the South entrance, facing the city of Providence and Narragansett Bay, is a quotation from the Royal Charter of 1663 which eloquently summarized the spirit of Rhode Island from its founding to the present day, “To hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained with liberty in religious concernments.”
Within the interior of the State House, visitors can engage with Rhode Island history as well as the current work of State government. The working building houses the General Assembly (the House of Representatives and the Senate) as well as the principal offices for the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and general treasurer. The Charter Museum includes displays about the colonial founding of Rhode Island and showcases the Royal Charter of 1663, which was granted to Rhode Island from King Charles II of England and guaranteed Rhode Islanders freedom of religion and the right to elect their own leaders. The State Reception Room includes many historic artifacts including a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, the leading American portrait painter in the late 18 th century, and militaria of General Nathanael Greene from the Revolutionary War. The State Library includes publications dating back to 1750 documenting the legislative history of Rhode Island and Rhode Island’s Apollo 11 Goodwill Presentation of lunar samples from President Nixon.
The State House is open to the public, and free tours are offered weekdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. On Thursday, September 17, attendees are invited to gather at the State House for an evening of tours, light appetizers, and conversation. Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore will welcome attendees of the AASLH / NCPH Joint Conference to the Rhode Island State House and Department of State staff and docents will be on hand to answer questions. Preregistration is required for this event. Find out more on AASLH’s conference website. https://aaslh.org/annualconference/2026-annual-conference/
