Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the Johnston Historical Society Museum Barn, 101 Putnam Pike, Johnston, and are free and open to the public. Events are subject to change.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Tag Sale
8am-1pm
JHS Headquarters, 101 Putnam Pike, Johnston. (Rescheduled from May 10th and 17th). Come buy stuff! Interested in selling stuff? A $25 donation to the JHS rents a six-foot spot! Plenty of parking; no early birds! Rain date: May 25th. Contact Anthony at (401) 764-5901 or aursillo401@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
General Meeting
7pm
John McNiff presents An Evening with Roger Williams. So many folks say that history is boring. Not this time. This talk is going to be very different. No power point, no slides, just a man talking about his life. ItŐs not often you will be able to hear from the founder of Rhode Island. Here is an opportunity. Historian and archaeologist John McNiff will bring Roger Williams to life in a dynamic first-person portrayal. He will talk of the issues that drove some English from their homeland to a 'so-called' new world, at least for them. Seventeenth century English religion, politics, the very nature and structure of society was at stake. What was it like to live here in this so-called 'New England'? Who were the people that were here already, and how could Williams live alongside them as a good neighbor? What was the legacy of Roger Williams' life work, and who is responsible for seeing that it continues? Roger will speak for about 45-50 minutes and will spend whatever time necessary to answer all your questions.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
JHS Pot Luck Cookout
6pm
(Note earlier time). Johnston Historical Society members and their families and friends are invited to partake in pic-a-nic goodies. JHS will supply hot dogs, buns, and Yacht Club Soda. Anything else is pot luck, so please bring a dish to share. In the event of rain, the picnic will be held in the barn.
We'll also be holding an executive board election this month. Some positions will be open, but any member in good standing (ie: dues paid up-to-date) may run for any position on the board. The positions are as follows:
If you are interested in running, please email Tim Kee, head of the Nominating Committee, at twkee@mac.com, so that he may add your name to the slate.
July and August
Summer Hiatus—Executive Board meetings and General meetings are suspended for the summer. Have fun everyone!
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Lighthouse Tour
Members are invited to join us on a boat tour of Newport lighthouses. Cost is $40.
If interested, contact Anthony at (401) 764-5901 or aursillo401@gmail.com.
September 28, 2025
General Meeting
2pm
Special Sunday meeting. We'll be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Elijah Angell House. Louis McGowan and Steve Merolla will present. Details TBD.
October 29, 2025
General Meeting
7pm
Speaker TBD
December 3, 2025
General Meeting
7pm
Speaker TBD
To see photos of past events, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/johnstonhistorical.
Note: Both our museum and the Elijah Angell House are open by appointment—we always welcome visits by interested individuals or groups. Just shoot us an email at johnstonhistorical1825@gmail.com, or leave a message at (401) 231-3380 to set one up.