RG 025. Jamestown Ter-centennial Exposition Commission

Jamestown Ter–Centennial Exposition was established to commemorate the first permanent settlement made in the United States by English speaking people, 1607. A resolution (#2) to establish a commission to represent Rhode Island at the exposition was passed by the General Assembly on April 21, 1905 with the appointment of John T. Blodgett of Providence William P. Sheffield Jr. of Newport & Dennis H. Sheahan of Providence was approved by the governor, April 28, 1905. Commission officially established by Public Law 1906, Chapter 1368, “An Act to Provide for the Preparation and Exhibition of the Historical & other Exhibits from the State of Rhode Island at the Jamestown Ter – Centennial Exposition to be held on and near the waters of Hampton Roads in the state of Virginia in 1907”, approved April 20, 1906. Act expanded the number of commissioners to five to be appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the senate & appropriation of $15.000 authorized to showcase the State’s historical & industrial achievements including official papers, public records & historical relics. Addition Resolution (#49) approved April 19, 1907, relative to the disposition of the historical exhibit & cases to be delivered upon the close of the exposition to the permanent custody of the Secretary of State with Board of State House Commissioners to provide suitable accommodations in State House. $30.000 additional appropriation authorized by Chapter 1421, 1907, approved Feb. 15, 1907. Governor authorized to loan as part of historical exhibit original 1772, Gaspee Commission document issued by George the Third as well as portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart.