A statue of Christopher Columbus overlooking a serene pond.

Columbus is going to its forever home – in Johnston, RI

May 12, 2023/RINewsToday

The Town of Johnston has been selected by former Providence Mayor Joseph R. Paolino, Jr. to display the historic Christopher Columbus statue. Paolino purchased the statue at a public sale held months ago, with the intention of putting it back out for the public to enjoy after it was removed from the location it was on for decades and put into storage. Several defacing attempts had been made at the time when such actions were happening around the US.

The statue had previously been displayed in Columbus Square in Providence before being placed in storage nearly three years ago. Paolino purchased the statue from the City of Providence and has considered different locations for its display. Johnston was always at the top of that list. Johnston is home to the state’s densest Italian American community.

“I am pleased to accept Mr. Paolino’s generous offer to display the historic Christopher Columbus statue in the Town of Johnston. In the months ahead, with support from volunteers in our community, the Town of Johnston will unveil the statue and provide space to celebrate the Town’s rich Italian American community,” said Mayor Joseph Polisena, Jr. “No taxpayer dollars will be used to bring the statue to Johnston.”

“Italian Americans have made tremendous and lasting contributions to the State of Rhode Island. The Christopher Columbus statue is a symbol of Italian culture. I am thankful that Mayor Polisena, Jr. has agreed to host the statue and create a destination for Italian American history in the Town of Johnston. The Mayor is playing an important role to ensure that this historic symbol is not melted down and turned into scrap metal,” said Joseph R. Paolino, Jr. “We cannot run away from history. The Christopher Columbus statue is a source of pride for many families in our state.”

The statue will be displayed at Johnston Memorial Park and provide an anchor to celebrate and honor the longstanding contributions of Johnston’s Italian American community. The transport, storage and security of the statue from storage to Johnston Memorial Park is being coordinated with volunteers from local businesses, at no taxpayer expense.

The statue will be officially unveiled on Columbus Day. Johnston is home to the state’s densest Italian American community.

The Christopher Columbus statue had previously been displayed in Columbus Square along Elmwood Avenue in Providence. Over time, the statue became a frequent target of vandalism. The statue was cast in 1893 and was produced by the Gorham Manufacturing Company. The bronze statue is a cast of the original Auguste Bartholdi masterpiece that was made of sterling silver and commissioned for the 1892 Columbia Exposition in Chicago. The silver statue was cast from 30,000 ounces of silver in Providence before being shipped by rail to Chicago.

The local Italian American War Veterans of American (ITAM) statement: “We must never forget our history which the statue represents. As a young child, my Dad would tell me about how the early Italians were treated. Unable to get jobs as darker skinned Italians endured the penalties of discrimination that many are not aware of. In 1891 New Orleans hung 11 Italian immigrants – a barbaric event. Columbus Day celebrations started in 1892 and eventually Columbus Day became a national holiday. Throughout the US statues of Columbus were erected. As Italians, we embraced the American actions after the horrors of New Orleans as the beginning of healing and end of the treatment endured by Italians. The monument of Columbus represents Italian Americans contributions to our great country despite the early day challenges we faced. We commend Joe Paolino, Jr. for his efforts to keep Rhode Island history in Rhode Island. Hoping all respect the historical significance of the statue to Rhode Island Italian culture, and a symbol that we should never forget our history to become the home of the free.” – Department Commander