RI Department of State Announces Rhode Island Independence Day Commemoration

RHODE ISLAND, April 7 - Rhode Islanders encouraged to display state flags; visit State House for special Saturday hours

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State today announced that the State House will once again be open for special Saturday hours on

Saturday, May 3 in recognition of Rhode Island Independence Day. In addition, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to display a state flag and share pictures with the RI Department of State on social media to mark the day.

"Before we celebrate Independence Day in July, Rhode Island has its own special day to recognize our state's independent spirit and unique history," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "I encourage all interested Rhode Islanders and visitors to join us at the State House on May 3 and to show their Rhode Island pride in the weeks leading up to Rhode Island Independence Day by displaying a state flag."

On Saturday, May 3, the Rhode Island State House will be open for special Saturday hours from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The RI Department of State will offer abbreviated State House tours and State Archives staff will have the Act of Renunciation on display.

On May 4, 1776, Rhode Island was the first colony to renounce allegiance to Great Britain's King George III and declare independence by official legislative act. The passage of the Act of Renunciation by the Rhode Island General Assembly took place at the Old State House on Benefit Street in Providence, Rhode Island. This Act officially ended the colony's allegiance to Great Britain. The original Act is in the keeping of the Rhode Island Department of State and is available for the public to view, upon request, at the State Archives.

Large Rhode Island state flags can be ordered online from the RI State House Visitor's Center and Gift Shop. Flags are also available for purchase in the Visitor's Center, on the first floor of the Rhode Island State House.

Individuals displaying a Rhode Island flag are encouraged to share a picture with the RI Department of State on May 4, 2025 by tagging the Department on social media, @RISecState.

To learn more about the Act of Renunciation, visit the Rhode Island State Archives website.