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Hidden History of Rhode Island delivers the best Ocean State stories you've never heard before.

Surprising tales and unexpected anecdotes color Rhode Island's legacy, from the accounts of its three brave Titanic survivors to the whirlwind Revolutionary War romance between a Smithfield girl and a French viscount. Rhode Island historian Glenn Laxton uncovers the exceptional citizens whom history has forgotten, like Robert the Hermit, a man who endured three escapes from slavery before finding liberty and peace in Rumford; the illustrious Lippitt family, who spearheaded advancements in deaf education; and Christiana Bannister, a Narragansett tribe member, nineteenth-century entrepreneur and wife to the most successful African American artist of the time. With moments of tragedy, as in the Lexington steamboat disaster, as well as triumph, as in the case of small-town boy turned baseball hero Joe Connolly, Laxton reveals Rhode Island beneath the surface.

Never before seen photographs of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Center at Davisville document the accomplishments of those once stationed here.

The U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Center at Davisville, Rhode Island, is first remembered as the original ""Home of the Atlantic Seabees."" During World War II, 100 battalions as well as dozens of other U.S. Navy ""Builder-Fighter"" units were formed, outfitted, trained, and prepared for overseas deployment. Here, in the first photographic history of the base, is the story of the men and women who came to Davisville and their legacy of superb accomplishments in the service of their country. Established on February 27, 1942, the base was designated to manufacture and ship overseas materials and equipment and to outfit and embark construction battalions and other naval units. Between 1942 and 1994, when the base was closed, the Seabees participated in every war involving the United States. The Quonset Hut and the Davisville Pontoons were both developed at the Davisville Seabee Center. The base has schooled and trained thousands of officers and tens of thousands of Seabees.

From pre-colonial times through World War II, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, has served as a stage for the dramatic evolution of American history.

Dispossessed citizens from the Massachusetts Bay Colony came to Portsmouth in the spirit of religious and political tolerance, paving the way for the establishment of a large Quaker settlement in town.

Revolutionary leaders such as George Washington, Lafayette, and Rochambeau visited the summer residences of wealthy Newport merchants in Portsmouth, including the home of Tory, Metcalf Bowler. During the Civil War, the Melville area of Portsmouth was the site of a hospital for wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners, and was an active stop on the Underground Railroad. Prior to World War II, John F. Kennedy received his PT boat training in Portsmouth, and Raytheon has kept many employed in the defense industry ever since.

Authors Nancy Jensen Devin and Richard V. Simpson are area historians who have combined the photograph collections of the Portsmouth Historical Society with many previously unpublished images from local families' albums to produce this remarkable new photographic history of the town. Mr. Simpson is the author of Bristol in the Images of America series, and Ms. Devin is the creator of a popular multimedia presentation called The Story of the Town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The authors' affection for the area and knowledge of its history are evident in this exciting tribute to the town and the people of Portsmouth.

Although the fact is seldom recognized, Jews have been a part of the American experience since the early colonial days.

They brought to these shores skills and traditions that America has welcomed and rewarded. They have made major contributions to this country's social, scientific, and cultural fabric. Despite their small numbers, the Jews of Rhode Island can claim two governors and many lawyers, physicians, scientists, manufacturers, businessmen, artists, and educators in state history. The Jews of Rhode Island 1658-1958 is the first comprehensive pictorial history of the Rhode Island Jewish experience. It provides a broad sweep of the first 300 years of Jewish history in Rhode Island beginning with the very first Jewish settlers in Newport in 1658 and includes images of their lives in all parts of the state.

Through vintage photographs, Narragansett Brewing Company chronicles the fascinating history, tragic fall, and exciting rebirth of this local icon.

Narragansett Brewing Company was developed in 1890 by German American descendants in Cranston. Taking advantage of an underground aquifer, the company also made ice for thousands of customers. During Prohibition, the brewery continued to make and deliver ice, as well as a type of soda. After the repeal of Prohibition, the Haffenreffer family purchased the brewery and began recalling previous workers to help restore the brewery and bring it to the highest production rate ever. After World War II, advertising manager Jack Haley shifted the company focus to hospitality with the now famous slogan, ""Hi Neighbor, Have a 'Gansett!"" Before long, Narragansett was the number one beer in New England. Through vintage photographs, Narragansett Brewing Company chronicles the fascinating history, tragic fall, and exciting rebirth of this local icon.

The US Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, RI, was originally built as a Neutrality Patrol Seaplane Base.

The base eventually became a unique and fundamentally important asset to the American armed forces. In World War II, more than one half of all U-boats sunk by U. S. aviation--including the first two--were destroyed by Quonset-trained shore and carrier-based squadrons. In the years following World War II, Quonset remained a premier industrial naval air station, sending squadrons or overhauling equipment for use in the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold War conflicts. For thirty-four years and through four wars, the Quonset Point Naval Air Station stood proud and tall on behalf of the United States military.

Take a walk down memory lane and experience the past of Aquidneck Island and her neighbors.

Over two hundred stunning photographs and detailed, informative captions offer a glimpse into the rich past of Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, and Middletown, as well as Prudence, Gould, Hog, and Rose Islands. In March of 1638, a group of Bostonians met with Roger Williams and decided to purchase the Island of Aquidneck. In the years that followed, the towns of Newport, Portsmouth, and Middletown were founded and soon became distinct components of a Narragansett Bay community. These islands have flourished into thriving coastal communities renowned for their beauty and character.

This second volume on Pawtucket celebrates its history from 1864 to 1996.

Pawtucket Volume II covers the history of the city from 1864 to 1996, and highlights the accomplishments of its citizens. Famous Pawtucket natives like singer Nelson Eddy and major-leaguer Chester ""Chet"" Nichols are spotlighted, as well as less well-known but equally significant contributors to the civic and social history of the city. Many images in this volume have been drawn from the collections of the Spaulding House Research Library, the Pawtucket Public Library, and the Times newspaper. In poring through these vast archives, authors Johnson, Wheaton, and Reed have produced two books destined to bring back memories and enliven interest in Pawtucket's fascinating past.

From humble immigrant beginnings, the Italian-American community in Rhode Island grew to become a significant factor in the state's development.

In government, business, religion, and civic affairs, Italian-Americans contributed a great deal to the development of their communities in the Ocean State. This marvelous new photographic history seeks to recognize those contributors and spotlight their achievements. Covering the period from 1884 to 1996, this volume showcases images from the author's personal archives, and the collections of local families, the Providence Public Library, and the Coalition of Italian Organizations. Major Italian-American figures in the state's history are illustrated, and detailed captions offer family histories--including information about the family's hometown in Italy--and brief summaries of the individual's achievements. This accessible and colorful presentation will appeal to many who wish to remember the contributions of their ancestors.

The rich history of Johnston comes to life through historical photos and never-before-seen images of days gone by...

With over 200 more vintage photographs, Louis H. McGowan and the Johnston Historical Society continue their insightful pictorial narration of Johnston's rich history in Johnston Volume II. From the rich and famous to ""just plain folks,"" this volume presents rare snapshots of a variety of Johnstonians. Meet key figures in the community such as James F. Simmons, the first U.S. Senator to hail from Johnston; Judge Albert Votolato, one of the first Italian Americans to become a lawyer; and Ralph Russo, Johnston's first mayor. Also featured are a variety of scenes of Johnston's residents at work and at play as well as a comprehensive tour of local landmarks and historic buildings, churches and schools, and farms and businesses.

Providence's Benefit Street showcases the rich history of Rhode Island's capital, a tangible history that can be experienced firsthand by walking one mile through the heart of the city.

Officially established by 1772 for ""the benefit of all,"" Benefit Street is arguably the most historic thoroughfare in Rhode Island. Some of Providence's most prominent families, including the Browns (the namesake of Brown University), built stately homes on Benefit Street's hillside, many of which still stand today. Threatened by years of neglect, the Providence Preservation Society intervened in the 1950s to save the buildings that line the street. Benefit Street has survived the dangers of demolition and now bears witness to disparate time periods and communities. It is the site of important educational and community institutions, including the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, the First Baptist Church, and the Providence Athenaeum, the fourth oldest library in the United States.

""Dave Brussat has made a significant contribution to the history of Providence. For those interested in that history, ""Lost Providence"" is a real find."" Providence Journal

Providence has one of the nation's most intact historic downtowns and is one of America's most beautiful cities. The history of architectural change in the city is one of lost buildings, urban renewal plans and challenges to preservation. The Narragansett Hotel, a lost city icon, hosted many famous guests and was demolished in 1960. The American classical renaissance expressed itself in the Providence National Bank, tragically demolished in 2005. Urban renewal plans such as the Downtown Providence plan and the College Hill plan threatened the city in the mid-twentieth century. Providence eventually embraced its heritage through plans like the River Relocation Project that revitalized the city's waterfront and the Downcity Plan that revitalized its downtown. Author David Brussat chronicles the trials and triumphs of Providence's urban development.

Dutch Island and Fort Greble, a fascinating visual journey through the past, will delight and educate both the avid historian and the casual observer.

Dutch Island is an 81-acre island situated at the southern end of the West Passage to Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. It served an important role in our country's military history, from its acquisition by the United States Army in 1864 until its closing by the military in 1947.

This volume is the first pictorial history illustrating the military development and facilities of Fort Greble on Dutch Island, spanning the period from the Civil War to World War II. Readers will step back in time and wander through the early earthworks and different incarnations of Fort Greble, stroll along the pristine parade ground before it was covered in briar and bramble, gaze upon the huge coastal artillery guns pointing toward the sea, and watch uniformed soldiers performing their duties on this fortified island.

Author Walter K. Schroder, author of Defenses of Narragansett Bay, has compiled an amazing collection of photographs, many from the official federal archives, that detail and examine a memorable chapter in our country's military past.