Rhode Island Department of State
Gregg M. Amore

Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore Statement on State of the State Address

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore today released the following statement:

"I once again thank Governor McKee for expressing his support for the Rhode Island State History Center and for including a bond question for its construction in his budget.

Though budgetary constraints kept the proposal from becoming a reality in prior years, the fact of the matter is that the need remains – and will persist until we take action. We are one of the only states in the country without a permanent, purpose-built facility to store and share our historic artifacts. And, as I have continued to share my ideas with Rhode Islanders across the state, I am regularly hearing of their desire to see a State History Center come to fruition.

We have such a unique story to tell. As America commemorates its Semiquincentennial Anniversary, we are all reminded of Rhode Island's critical role in the formation of our country. Stories like the revolutionary thinking of Roger Williams, the trailblazing Act of Renunciation, the heroic First Rhode Island Regiment, and so many others deserve a permanent place to be accessible to Rhode Islanders and visitors alike.

I understand the reality of the competing priorities facing the General Assembly, and with that in mind, our updated proposal significantly reduces the cost of the facility – while maintaining public access to our state's founding documents and treasures, with space for community events and education.

We have a site selected and a proposal ready. With the support of the General Assembly, we are ready to ask voters to support a new State History Center. Let 2026 be the year that we mark 250 years of our nation and approve a project that will tell Rhode Island's story for decades to come."

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