Petitioning the Rhode Island General Assembly has been a right of the people for hundreds of years. This exhibit features an array of original manuscripts that provide insight into the many important social, racial and political issues voiced by the people through the centuries.
John Joseph Garrahy was born in Providence, Rhode Island on November 26, 1930. He attended La Salle Academy, the University of Buffalo and the University of Rhode Island. He served as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. Garrahy served in the Rhode Island Senate from 1963-1968 and was Lieutenant Governor from 1969-1976. He served as Rhode Island's Governor from 1977-1985. In 1988, Garrahy was named to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Garrahy passed away on January 24, 2012.
