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Tales from Rhode Island Taverns with Robert Geake

  • October 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  • The Wild Colonial Tavern

    250 South Water Street
    Providence, Rhode Island 02903
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Description

Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Tuesday, October 7th, at 6pm at the Wild Colonial Tavern for a talk from public historian Robert Geake on the history of taverns in Rhode Island.

Geake will recount the "Ordinaries" or public houses in Providence and surrounding towns during the colonial period, complete with tales from those taverns used as meeting houses, courtrooms, and even prisons in the course of Rhode Island's early history.

In addition to the talk, guests will receive a drink ticket to enjoy a beverage from a pre-selected list of options.

Robert A. Geake is a public historian and the author of sixteen books on Rhode Island and New England history, including From Slaves to Soldiers: The First Rhode Island Regiment in the American Revolution. Other books include A History of the Narragansett Tribe: Keepers of the Bay, Native and New Americans, New England’s Citizen Soldiers: Mariners and Minutemen, and many others. As a public historian, Mr. Geake is a contributor to the blogs smallstatebighistory.com, rifootprints.com, and most recently, The Cocumscussoc Review on smithscastle.org. His upcoming biography, A Man of Uncommon Valor: James Mitchell Varnum, the American Revolution, and the Founding of the New Republic will be published in July, 2026.

Date & Time

Tue, Oct 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Venue Details

The Wild Colonial Tavern

250 South Water Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903 The Wild Colonial Tavern
Rhode Island Historical Society

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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