In 1784, freshly independent American merchants set sail for China with bold ambitions: to strike it rich, convert a civilization, and even command armies. There was only one problem—the Chinese authorities had no idea the United States existed. How did a nation of novice traders with no knowledge of Chinese customs, language, or complex trade rules go from complete outsiders after the Revolutionary War to challenging global superpowers in just a few short decades?
On Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 5:30 pm the Museum at the John Brown House will explore this topic with historian and author Dr. John R. Haddad as he unpacks the high-stakes, colorful, and often controversial origins of U.S.-China relations. Drawing from his acclaimed book, America’s First Adventure to China, and the Museum at the John Brown House’s new exhibit that the book is based upon, Rhode Island’s First Adventure to China, 1787-1815, Dr. Haddad will reveal how an improvisational spirit, high-stakes opium smuggling, and missionary zeal shaped America's presence in Asia—and how it played a pivotal role in the economic development of early America and Rhode Island.
Dr. John R. Haddad is Interim Director of the School of Humanities and Professor of American Studies and Popular Culture at Penn State Harrisburg. A former Fulbright Scholar at the University of Hong Kong, he holds degrees from Harvard, Yale, and University of Texas Austin. He is the author of three books exploring America’s historical relationship with China, including America’s First Adventure in China: Trade, Treaties, Opium, and Salvation, which directly inspired this exhibit.
Doors open at 4:30 pm for a book signing, reception, and the chance to explore the exhibit; the talk starts promptly at 5:30 pm. Seating is limited; advance registration is highly encouraged. Tickets cost $5 for Rhode Island Historical Society members and $10 for non-members. A combo admission ticket that includes the book is also available.
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state's oldest and only statewide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island's past to enrich the present and inspire the future. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a means to develop empathy and 21st -century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center and the Aldrich House.
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