The South Kingstown Committee for the Celebration of the Semi-Quincentennial of the United States is proud to announce the launch of an 11-part Speaker Series to be held throughout 2026 in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The series will open with “The Real Patriots of South Kingstown” on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the South Kingstown High School Auditorium, located at 215 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI.
The inaugural presentation will be delivered by Debbie Suggs, a respected historian, educator, and public administrator. Suggs holds a bachelor’s degree in American History and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She serves as the Director of Admission, Special Populations at the University of Rhode Island and is an instructor with College Unbound, where she teaches courses focused on history and culture.
Suggs has presented extensively throughout Rhode Island on topics including historical cemeteries, genealogy, and local folklore. She is also the co-host of the Bartholomew Town special podcast, “Lives Less Ordinary.” Her civic service includes membership on the Rhode Island Historic Cemeteries Commission and leadership as Chapter Regent of the Narragansett-Cooke-Gaspee Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
As the nation approaches the America 250 commemoration, the Narragansett-Cooke-Gaspee Chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving historic and patriotic sites through education, thoughtful restoration, and meaningful community engagement—ensuring that the stories of southern Rhode Island’s patriots are remembered and honored for generations to come.
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional details about future presentations in the Speaker Series will be announced throughout the year.