Rhode Island's Founders

Take a journey with us back to early America, where Rhode Island's founders laid the groundwork for America's policy of religious freedom.

Dr. Patrick T. Conley, Rhode Island's preeminent historian, is our guide for this expedition, teaching us about the individuals and events that shaped Rhode Island's identity. Learn what led Roger Williams to write The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution and discover how James Franklin, older brother of Benjamin, left a lasting impact on the future of American publishing. Find out why Mary Dyer fought for her religious beliefs until she became one of the "Boston martyrs"; how Anne Hutchinson overcame a male-dominated society to allow women the right to preach and teach; and how General Nathanael Greene helped to liberate the South during the American Revolution. These colorful biographies of political, military and religious leaders, artists and craftsmen, scientists and philanthropists illuminate the beginning of America's smallest state, but one that has always exhibited remarkable diversity.

Dr. Patrick T. Conley holds an AB from Providence College, an MA and PhD from the University of Notre Dame with highest honors and a JD from Suffolk University Law School. He has published eighteen books, including Catholicism in Rhode Island: The Formative Era (1976); Democracy in Decline: Rhode Island's Constitutional Development, 1775, 1841 (1977); An Album of Rhode Island History, 1636, 1986 (1986); The Constitution and the States (1988); The Bill of Rights and the States (1992), with John Kaminski; Liberty and Justice: A History of Law and Lawyers in Rhode Island, 1636, 1998 (1998); and The Rhode Island Constitution: A Reference Guide (2007), with Justice Robert G. Flanders, as well as more than a score of scholarly articles on history, law, ethnic studies, religion and political science. The youngest person ever to attain the rank of full professor at Providence College, Dr. Conley also practices law and manages a real estate development business. He has served as chairman of the Rhode Island Bicentennial Commission, chairman and founder of the Providence Heritage Commission, chairman and founder of the Rhode Island Publications Society and general editor of the Rhode Island Ethnic Heritage Pamphlet Series. In 1977, he founded the Rhode Island Heritage Commission. Dr. Conley was also chairman of the Rhode Island Bicentennial (of the Constitution) Foundation and chairman of the U.S. Constitution Council. In May 1995, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, one of a handful of living Rhode Islanders who have been accorded that honor. Presently, he is president of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, president of the Heritage Harbor Museum and chairman of the Rhode Island Senior Olympics. Pat, who is the father of six children and the grandfather of seven, lives in Bristol, Rhode Island, with his wife, Gail, and their dog, Bridget.