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.
Description
Join the Rhode Island Historical Society virtually on Wednesday, February 11th at 12:30pm for “Call to Arms: The Making of an Exhibit,” a presentation by Paul Morando, Director at the National Museum of the United States Army in Virginia.
Discover the 4-year journey of putting together a milestone exhibit on the Revolutionary War to commemorate the semiquincentennial. This talk will cover the collaboration with museums, historians, and collectors in bringing together over 280 artifacts, including some that have never been on display before. And discover the Rhode Island artifact that required a state law to change to allow for an object essential to Rhode Island history to be on display in this groundbreaking exposition.
Paul Morando began his career in the Army Museum program in 2003 as the Director of the Harbor Defense Museum at Fort Hamilton, NY. In 2007 he became the Director of the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe, VA and in 2011 he went on to be the Director of the Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee, VA. In October 2017 he became the Chief of Exhibits of the National Museum of the United States Army. He is responsible for the oversight of the design, fabrication, and installation of the museum’s exhibits as well as the artifact collection on display. In June 2025, he opened a landmark exhibit on the Revolutionary War. In January 2026 Mr. Morando became the Director of the National Army Museum. Mr. Morando holds a Master’s Degree in History from the City University of New York. He currently resides in Woodbridge, VA with his wife and four children.
Date & Time
Wed, Feb 11, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM