BoRIA's Educational Outreach and Resources
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There are few elementary school level resources for teaching about Revolutionary Rhode Island. The Battle of Rhode Island Association received funding through the Rhode Island 250 Commission to provide those resources, so we created them. I have a background as an elementary school librarian, which gave me familiarity with reading levels. Looking at the RI Social Studies Standards, I focused on supporting 4th grade teachers who need materials on privateers, the start of the Navy, occupied Aquidneck Island, the Battle of Rhode Island, the role of women in the war, and the Black Regiment.
With the start of the 2026-27 school year, we were able to deliver resource packets to 4th grade teachers in Bristol and Newport Counties. Included in the packets were:
- Tracing the Battle: Map-based activity that takes students through Battle of Rhode Island. Includes Fage Map, script, markers for battle commanders, and plastic cover.
- Trifold brochures: Revolutionary Rhode Island Timeline, People and Places of Revolutionary Rhode Island, significant Rhode Island people.
- A copy of The Black Regiment of the American Revolution by Linda Brennan and illustrated by Cheryl Noll.
- Resource sheets on each of these topics: privateers and the navy, Revolutionary Rhode Island Women, the Black Regiment, the Battle of Rhode Island, and the Occupation.
Through a Legislative Grant sponsored by State Senator Linda Ujifusa we were able to include a booklet about Butts Hill and the fort – The Hill’s Story.
All materials are available statewide. The Black Regiment book is back in publication and available through Amazon. YouTube videos on the research behind the making of the Black Regiment Book and a short description of the Battle of Rhode Island are available through the Battle of Rhode Island’s YouTube channel.
Other resources are available through a website of teacher resources: teachingrevolutionaryrhody.
Gloria Schmidt, Battle of Rhode Island Outreach and Advisor
