“Spring Forward…Think Back, Horsing Around: Rhode Island’s Horse Racing Heyday”
Rhode Island Historical Society Announces Spring Forward Event and Panel Discussion
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS), has announced two events to celebrate the memories of Rhode Island’s history of horse racing.
Join us on Thursday, May 2nd at 5:30pm for ‘Memories of ‘Gansett,’ a short talk and panel discussion that will provide a brief history of the Narragansett Race Track. The evening begins with drinks and light refreshments at historic Aldrich House (110 Benevolent St., Providence, RI), where memorabilia from ‘Gansett’s heyday will be on display. Richard Ring, Deputy Executive Director for Collections & Interpretation, will offer a lecture on the era of horse racing in the Ocean State. Following the lecture, a panel of jockeys, grooms, and owners will reminisce on what it was like to be a part of the local racing community. This panel was organized to provide an appreciation for the theme of this year’s Spring Forward benefit event: Horsing Around, Rhode Island’s Horse Racing Heyday.
Horsing Around, Rhode Island’s Horse Racing Heyday is scheduled for Thursday, May 16th at the Aldrich House. Amica Insurance, our lead sponsor, and Pranzi Catering, our event partner, have generously provided the means to make for a fantastic party (as well as B&M Catering Company, Cozy Caterers, Fire Works Catering, Tom’s Market Catering, The Catering Gourmet, Sin, Gasbarro’s Wines, Narragansett Beer, Del’s, and Judith Potter Photography). As a themed event, guests are encouraged to dress in classic derby costumery (or business casual for those coming straight from work) and can expect a cocktail menu typical of a day at the track.
Attendees will be treated to a selection of projects from Rhode Island’s National History Day champions, performances from Brown University’s Swing Dancers, games and more!
The event will be emceed by The Public’s Radio’s Scott McKay.
Tickets are available at
http://www.shop-rihs.com/item/spring-forward-tickets.
VIP Patron tickets are priced at $150 ($125 for RIHS members), and include the 5:30 pm VIP “Winner’s Circle” reception with prosecco, passed hors d’oeuvres, sneak peeks, and exclusive access. General Admission is $50, with doors opening at 6:30 pm.
A special thank you to our generous sponsors:
Bank of America, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP, Mandel & Tracy LLC, Esten & Richard Agency Inc., BankNewport, and Brewster Thornton Group Architects.
And Andrew West & Sylvia Brown West, Michael & Jennifer Baker, Barry & Kathleen Hittner, George & Betsey Goodwin, Bob & Cathi Sloan, Winifred Brownell, Mr. & Mrs Timothy Burditt, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Calandrelli, Andy & Polly Erickson, Maureen & Tom Moakley,and Kathy & Luther Spoehr.
When: Thursday, May 16, 6:30 pm (5:30pm VIP “Winner’s Circle” Reception for Patrons)
Where: Aldrich House (110 Benevolent St., Providence)
Admission: $50/General Admission ticket; $150/VIP Patron ticket ($125 for RIHS Members) at
About the Rhode Island Historical Society
Founded in 1822, the RIHS, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the fourth-oldest historical society in the United States and is Rhode Island’s largest and oldest historical organization. In Providence, the RIHS owns and operates the John Brown House Museum, a designated National Historic Landmark, built in 1788; the Aldrich House, built in 1822 and used for administration and public programs; and the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, where archival, book and image collections are housed. In Woonsocket, the RIHS manages the Museum of Work and Culture, a community museum examining the industrial history of northern Rhode Island and of the workers and settlers, especially French-Canadians, who made it one of the state’s most distinctive areas.