This year marks the 180th anniversary of the Dorr Rebellion, which is considered the most significant constitutional and political event to occur in Rhode Island history. On Thursday November 17, 2022 at 5:30pm, historian Erik J. Chaput will present the talk “A Tempest in a Teapot: Political Combat in Antebellum Rhode Island” on zoom.

During this lecture, Dr. Chaput will explore the life of Thomas Wilson Dorr and his attempt to overturn Rhode Island’s existing government in the spring of 1842. He will focus heavily on the numerous Newport connections to the story of Dorr’s attempt at extralegal reform, including a lengthy trial that led to his imprisonment in 1844.

A native Rhode Islander, Erik Chaput teaches at Providence College and at Western Reserve Academy. He holds a doctorate in American History from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and is the author of The People’s Martyr: Thomas Wilson Dorr and His 1842 Rhode Island Rebellion. Dr. Chaput is the co-creator with historian Russ DeSimone of the award-winning Dorr Rebellion Project Website. In addition to his work on Rhode Island history, Dr. Chaput has published numerous articles on antislavery politics in the Civil War era.

“A Tempest in a Teapot” is a free Zoom event, but advance registration is required. To register, please click here.