An Evening to Remember

This immersive celebration will evoke 1776 through period food, music, documents, demonstrations, and interpreters, with two 18th-century National Historic Landmarks serving as the remarkable setting: the John Brown House Museum and the grounds of the Nightingale-Brown House. Learn more about what guests can expect below!

A Celebration of the Nation's 250th Anniversary

Revel like it's 1776

The evening will feature entertainment inspired by 1776. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with nearly a dozen costumed interpreters, including George and Martha Washington, who will help bring the period to life.

The John Brown House Museum will host the RIHS's copies of the Founding Documents, as well as a harpsichordist, and a curated wine pull, where participants will have the opportunity to win a special edition of George Washington's Cherry Bounce.

Guests will also be treated to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by actor and director Joe Wilson, Jr.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The evening will feature a selection of historically inspired bites and drinks, sure to transport you to 1776.

Food stations will include modern takes on historic recipes adapted by students at Johnson and Wales University from cookbooks from their archival collection and created by the team at McGrath Clambakes and Catering.

Half Crown Bakehouse will also be on site with their 18th-century style oven, baking fresh goods for visitors to enjoy.

Guests to the VIP Reception will be treated to a signature Old Fashioned cocktail created by White Dog Distilling using Sabin's Spirit, the whiskey the RIHS distilled in honor of the 250th. Additionally, Sowam's Cider will be on hand throughout the evening, serving a selection of Rhode Island-crafted ciders. A selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

A Celebration of History Education

Honoring Professor Gordon S. Wood

As part of the evening's festivities, we will honor historian Dr. Gordon S. Wood, for his role as one of the most important voices in recounting the history of the Revolution and as a leader in history and teacher education.

Dr. Wood became a member of Brown University's faculty in 1969. During his time at Brown, he published prolifically on the Revolutionary period and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History, the Bancroft Prize, the Ralph Waldo Emerson Prize, the John H. Dunning Prize, and the Julia Ward Howe Prize.

In 2011, he was awarded a National Humanities Medal by President Obama, the Churchill Bell by Colonial Williamsburg, and the Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. Award from the Society of American Historians. In 2012, he received an award from the John Carter Brown Library and the John F. Kennedy Medal from the Massachusetts Historical Society.

We are delighted to be honoring him here in Rhode Island during a celebration of both the 250th of our nation, as well as history education. We will recognize Dr. Wood during the VIP Reception, where we will be joined by Secretary of State and former history educator Gregg Amore to present his award.

Showcasing History Education in Rhode Island

Guests will have the opportunity to see firsthand the outcomes of the RIHS's educational programs, including Rhode Island History Day, the state contest for National History Day.

Nearly 1,300 students from across the state participated in creating National History Day projects this year, with many of those who joined us at the state contest having already won their school contests. This year's State Contest received the most student entries since 2019, with 114 projects from 170 students.

Forty-eight of those students continued on to Nationals, and several will be joining us at the Golden Ball to share their award-winning exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, and papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the event?

The Golden Ball will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The VIP Reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Banner Event at 6:30 p.m.

Where will the event be held?

The event will be held at the John Brown House Museum (52 Power Street, Providence) and the Nightingale-Brown House (357 Benefit Street, Providence). The section of Power Street between the properties will be closed to allow guests to easily cross between each space. Please note that while the interior and exterior of the John Brown House Museum will be accessible to guests, only the exterior of the Nightingale-Brown House will be accessible during the event due to an ongoing renovation project.

Is there a dress code?

Guests are encouraged to wear semiformal or festive attire.

Where can I park?

We are currently working with a valet parking service for that evening. Details will be shared with guests ahead of the event.

Is the event rain or shine?

Yes! The event will happen rain or shine, with rain plans that include additional tenting and more scheduled programming throughout the evening.

Is the event accessible for individuals with mobility needs?

The exterior of the John Brown House Museum and the museum's first floor are accessible. The Great Lawn of the John Brown House Museum contains graded pathways lined with stone. The garden entrance to the lawn of the Nightingale-Brown House does include multiple steps at differnt points.

What can I expect at the event?

For a complete description of the evening, please visit our programming page.

It is called a 'Ball' -- will there be a formal dance?

No, while this is a gala event, there will not be a formal dance portion of the evening. The event takes its name from Providence's Golden Ball Inn, which was located on Benefit Street across the street from the Old State House and played host to such Revolutionary figures as George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.

How do I purchase tickets?

To purchase tickets, please visit our ticketing page.

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