Roger Williams University presents “Roger Williams and His World”
In her new book, Roger Williams and His World: A History in Documents, Carrington-Farmer illuminates the life of Roger Williams through little-known stories, from his childhood in England to his escape to America, and subsequent banishment from Massachusetts for his “new and dangerous opinions” on religious freedom, separation of church and state, and Indigenous land rights. Traveling more than 80 miles, Williams fled through a brutal winter storm and made it to the land he later called Providence with the help of local Indigenous tribes.
Williams founded Providence in 1636, a colony that was “arguably the freest in the western world,” according to Carrington-Farmer. It the only place in the world where religion was unconnected to citizenship and people were free to practice their chosen religion. He settled the town of Providence with the permission of the Narragansett Sachems, the first person in the New World to seek a land agreement with Indigenous tribes and to publicly rebuke England’s claims that the land was unoccupied and free for the taking.
On Tuesday, March 25, at 6:00 p.m., Carrington-Farmer and McNiff will deliver a special presentation on “Roger Williams and His World” at Roger Williams University. Carrington-Farmer will share insights and stories from Williams’ life and hold a conversation with McNiff, who will portray Williams in 17th century dress and language, about his revolutionary views and key events in his life.
Prior to the presentation, there will be a historical exhibit and student research poster presentation from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Global Heritage Hall (GHH) first floor lobby. The historical exhibit will feature Roger Williams artifacts and memorabilia from the Rhode Island Historical Society and from RWU’s own Roger Williams Family Association archive collection. Students will present original research on Roger Williams and his wife, Mary Williams, who played her own vital role in the community of Providence. Cookies, coffee, and tea will be served.
Please join all of us at Roger Williams University in sharing an exciting evening in conversation with Charlotte Carrington-Farmer and John McNiff. This RWU presentation is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to [email protected].
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2936832-0
