New exhibition highlights Rhode Island's role in Revolution

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(AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott). In this May 24, 2018 photo, Rhode Island State Archivist Ashley Selima points to the seal of King George III on a September 1772 proclamation in Providence, R.I. The document established a commission to investigate the bu... (AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott). In this May 24, 2018 photo, Rhode Island State Archivist Ashley Selima points to the seal of King George III on a September 1772 proclamation in Providence, R.I. The document established a commission to investigate the bu...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A new exhibition that highlights Rhode Island's role in helping spark the American Revolution has opened at the state archives.

The archives in Providence have created an exhibition about how Rhode Island colonists burned a British ship, the HMS Gaspee, in June 1772.

Rhode Islanders feel slighted because they don't get credit for their role in the Revolution. They feel Bostonians get all the glory for the Boston Tea Party.

The free exhibition, "Gaspee Raiders: Pirates or Patriots," is open to the public through Sept. 5.

State Archivist Ashley Selima says it highlights the pivotal role Rhode Islanders played in the fight for independence, through reports, letters and depositions about the burning of the Gaspee.

A smaller model of a ship was burned Sunday in Warwick to commemorate the act.

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