Events

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment Forgotten Valor in the Cause of Liberty Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Dr. Aaron Mair The 1st Rhode Island was called by a number of names: The Rhode Island Regiment, Varnum’s Regiment, The Black Regiment, Olney’s Battalion, and others. Unlike most Continental Army units, the 1st Rhode Island was composed largely of black enlistees, including former slaves, as well as some indigenous people. It was one of the few Regiments to serve the entire duration of the war – from the Siege of Boston to the Army’s disbandment in 1783. One historian noted, “There is no record of a popular outcry against the black presence, no record of fights or interdisciplinary problems caused by racial integration. The common white New England soldier seems to have accepted blacks. The objections to the black presence came not from the rank and file but from the highest levels of policy makers and politicians.” Were they finally equal? Hardly. Join us at The Lincoln Depot as we welcome Dr. Aaron Mair to share the amazing full story of the 1st Rhode Island – including the Yorktown, NY Battle of Pine’s Bridge in 1781. Where did they come from? Where did they serve? What became of the men after the war? And why did they wind up filing back-pay claims with the War Department?