Roger Williams Memorial, (sculpture).

Roger Williams Memorial, (sculpture).

Friedlander, Leo, 1888-1966, sculptor.

Walker, Ralph W., architect.

Roger Williams Memorial, (sculpture).

1936. Dedicated June 29, 1939.

Digital Reference:

Figure: granite; Arch and base: Westerly granite.

Figure: approx. 15 ft. x 2 ft. 6 in. x 3 ft. 6 in.; Arch and base: approx. 27 ft. 4 1/2 in. x 30 ft. 1 in. x 16 ft. 1 1/2 in.

(On front of base:) Here reposes the dust from the grave of Roger Williams

Full-length portrait of Roger Williams, seen standing on a canoe bow, between two granite pylons forming a rectangular arch. His proper right arm is extended outward as if blessing the city. Stylized waves are sculpted on either side of the canoe.

Portrait male -- Williams, Roger -- Full length

Occupation -- Religion -- Clergy

Architecture -- Boat -- Canoe

Outdoor Sculpture -- Rhode Island -- Providence

Administered by City of Providence, Department of Parks, Dalrymple Boathouse, Roger Williams Park, Providence, Rhode Island 02905

Located Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street, Providence, Rhode Island

The idea for a memorial to Roger Williams (1603?-1683), founder of Rhode Island and a proponent of religious freedom, first arose in 1850. The idea was suggested by the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, who raised $100. Ten years, Stephen Randall, a direct descendent of William's organized a memorial association, incorporated by the state legislature, and raised an additional $1,000 for the memorial. Controversay arose over design plans and site ideas for the memorial. Nothing further was done until 1934, when, as part of the upcoming 1936 Tercentenary celebrations, the State General Assembly authorized a new Roger Williams Memorial Association.

The total cost of the completed monument was $85,000. Randall's bequest had grown to $45,000; the Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Tercentenary Committee contibuted $19,000, and the State of Rhode Island obligated an additional $21,000.

William's proper right hand has been mended. IAS files contain transcription of nearby plaque. IAS files also contain copies from John Hutchins Cady's "The Civic and Architectural Development of Providence 1636-1950," Providence, RI: The Book Shop, 1957, pg. 268-269.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Rhode Island survey, 1993.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985.

National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, RI0027, 1989.

Freeman, Robert & Vivienne Lasky, "Hidden Treasure: Public Sculpture in Providence," Providence: Rhode Island Bicentennial Foundation, 1980, pg. 34-36.

Cady, John Hutchins, "The Civic and Architectural Development of Providence 1636-1950," Providence, RI: The Book Shop, 1957, pg. 268-269.

Freeman, Robert, and Vivienne Lasky, "Hidden Treasure: Public Sculpture in Providence," Providence: Rhode Island Bicentennial Foundation, 1980, pg. 35.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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