To Do in RI: Cranston has events for all to celebrate 75th anniversary of Cranston Historical Society

The Cranston Historical Society turns 75 this year and is celebrating its anniversary with a series of special events slated for the weekend of September 6, 2024. “With the help of our members and dedicated volunteers, the society has worked to protect, preserve and promote Cranston’s history,” said Society President Sandra Moyer. “The support of the community is essential to the work that we do so we hope that the public joins us in celebrating our anniversary by attending the events we have planned.” Mayor Kenneth Hopkins serves as Co-Chair.

The weekend will kick off with a special anniversary gala on September 6th, on the lawn of the stately Sprague Mansion at 1351 Cranston Street. The event, which will be held from 5 to 7 pm, will honor nine people whose work has benefitted Cranston over the years. The evening, with tickets at $50 per person, will serve as an important fundraiser for the Historical Society and will include refreshments.

The honorees (in alphabetical order) are: Lieutenant General Reginald A. Centracchio (ret.); John Howell, Editor of the Warwick Beacon; R.I. Senator Frank S. Lombardi; Nicholas Mattiello, former Speaker of the House for the Rhode Island General Assembly; Joanne McGunagle, President & CEO of Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP); U.S. Navy World War II Veteran Henry Polichetti who is 109 years young; U.S. Senator Jack Reed; the White Family Foundation; and the Honorable Frank J. Williams, retired Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Tickets are still available on a first-come, first-served basis and it is recommended that they be purchased in advance. Tickets will also be available the night of the event.

On Saturday, September 7th, there will be a RI Night Market and movie on the grounds of the mansion. Free to the public, the family-friendly event will feature food trucks and arts and crafts vendors. At 7 pm, the movie National Treasure will be shown outdoors. Parking is available at the neighboring Cranston Printworks and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

On Sunday, September 8th, there will be a special ceremony at the Sprague Mansion Carriage House to commemorate the return of historic civil war cannons housed at the Sprague Mansion Carriage House. Special guests will include the Rhode Island National Guard, the Rhode Island Militia, and members of Veterans Foreign Wars. The event will start at 3 pm and is free to the public.

The Cranston Historical Society was created in 1949 by residents who wanted to help the public learn about the City’s rich history. Over time, it took on the role of stewardship, purchasing the historic 18th century Joy Homestead on Scituate Avenue in 1959. Later, the Society stepped in to prevent the demolition of the stately Governor Sprague Mansion on Cranston Street.

“Starting with our gala, this will be a wonderful opportunity to honor some outstanding community leaders who have contributed to the City of Cranston,” said former Mayor John O’Leary, who is chairman of the Friday night gala event. “Our main charge is to ensure that the history of Cranston is passed on to the people of the city – particularly our school children. The Sprague Mansion and Joy Homestead are truly gems here in the city.”

For more information, including tickets, contact the Sprague Mansion at (401) 944-9226 or John O’Leary at (401)749-2500.