Roger Williams University Presents 'Roger Williams and His World'

BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams played a major part in Rhode Island’s history, but his impact goes beyond the Ocean State. Many Americans place Thomas Jefferson’s “wall of separation” as the defining moment of the separation of church and state in this country, but Williams pioneered those ideas more than 150 years earlier in 1636 when he founded Providence, R.I.

According to Roger Williams University Professor of History Charlotte Carrington-Farmer, the colony was “arguably the freest in the Western world” at the time. It was the only place 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 colonies to seek a land agreement with Indigenous Nations and to publicly rebuke England’s claims that the land was unoccupied and free for the taking.

“Williams’ greatest contribution to religious freedom was not that he simply espoused the theory of liberty, but that he created a geographical space where those principles could be lived,” said Carrington-Farmer.

Carrington-Farmer brings to life Roger Williams' story and his ideas in her new book, "Roger Williams and His World: A History in Documents." She highlights little-known stories, from his childhood in England to his escape to America, and his later banishment from Massachusetts for his “new and dangerous opinions” on religious freedom and Indigenous land rights.

Drawing from Williams’ own writings and those of his contemporaries, Carrington-Farmer illuminates “the diverse world in which Williams lived: from a place of religious liberty to the very real tragedy of Native exploitation.”

On Tuesday, March 25, Carrington-Farmer and historical reenactor John McNiff will deliver a special presentation of “Roger Williams and His World," a lecture and conversation on the life of the 17th-century founder of Providence, at the Global Heritage Hall Atrium on RWU’s Bristol campus. Carrington-Farmer will share stories about Williams from her new book and engage in an unscripted conversation with McNiff, who will portray Williams in 17th-century dress and language. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a book signing.

From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be a historical exhibit in the Global Heritage Hall first-floor lobby, featuring Roger Williams artifacts from the Rhode Island Historical Society, and RWU’s own Roger Williams Family Association archive collection. In collaboration with the National Park Service Roger Williams National Memorial, students will present original research on Roger Williams and his wife, Mary Williams, who also played a vital role in the community of Providence.

The event is sponsored by RWU Marketing and Communications.

Both events are free and open to the public. Cookies, coffee, and tea will be served at the student research presentation and historical exhibit. Please RSVP for the event to events@rwu.edu. Questions or special accommodations can be directed to (401) 254-3166.