Battle Of Rhode Island Association announce new Directors and Web Partners
The Battle of Rhode Island Association announces the addition of Dereke Mays and Nick Hardisty as Directors to the Board. Dereke Mays will be representing the Newport NAACP. Nick Hardisty comes on board representing Tall Ships America. Also retired Navy Capt. Dr. Murray Norcross has joined on as an Advisor on Grants.
Dereke and the Newport Chapter of the NAACP have been the leaders in commemorating the lives and memories of the First Black Regiment. As has been practiced for many years, they celebrated the 55th Commemoration of the Monument at Patriots Park in Portsmouth this past summer.
Founded in 1973, Tall Ships America is a non-profit organization commended by Congress as The National Sail Training Organization representing the United States. Based in Newport, Nick will be very active in scheduling tall ship visits to all U.S. coasts in 2026.
Dr. Murray Norcross is a native of Adams, Massachusetts his ancestors settled in Boston in 1630, he’s a member of The Sons of the American Revolution.
We’ve also added new partners bringing our total to 32. Our partners are vital in getting the word out about our organization and RI’s role in the Revolutionary War and providing content to the website. We welcome Tall Ships America, NAACP-Newport, Rhode Tour, Pawtuxet Rangers, and the Charlestown Land Trust as partners. Our partner page is located on our website www.battleofrhodeisland.org and it shares a brief introduction and a link to their respective websites.
The Battle of Rhode Island Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to raising awareness of Rhode Island’s role in the War for Independence. Donations may be made payable to “BoRIA” at PO Box 626, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
