1445 Wampanoag Trail, Suite 203, East Providence, RI 02915-1019 | (401) 433-0044 | info@riheritagehalloffame.com
During his lengthy working career, Thomas P. Whitten served as a distinguished executive in all aspects of social work, social causes, and community service. The middle child of nine children, Tom, with the assistance of his midwife, maternal grandmother, was born on September 26, 1937, to Benjamin and Hattie (née Brown) in Anderson County, South
Steven Feinberg is the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & Television Office. He was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, on November 15, 1963, and raised in beautiful Cranston, RI. Steven graduated from Cranston High School West (1981), then spent 22 years in Los Angeles, studied cinematography at UCLA, and film and television production at the
Born on May 6, 1992, and raised in the Edgewood section of Cranston, Olivia Culpo is a proud Rhode Islander who has earned international recognition for her work in entertainment, music, fashion, and entrepreneurship. Her historic career began in 2012 when she swept the Miss Rhode Island, Miss USA, and Miss Universe pageants. She quickly
In the 20th century, South Providence produced two governors and a chief justice. Still, the most constitutionally powerful position in state government eluded it until 1980, when Matt Smith became Speaker of the House of Representatives. Raised by Irish immigrant parents in a modest home at the corner of Potters Avenue and Ocean Street in
Maria Gemma Corcelli was born in Providence on April 7, 1955. She is the eldest daughter among the nine children born to Larry and Gloria Gemma. In 2001, Maria learned that Gloria had been diagnosed with breast cancer. One year later, her beloved mother died, but through Gloria’s painful tragedy, a tremendous blessing was bestowed
Lorén Spears was born in Spokane, Washington, on September 20, 1966, while her father, Paul Wilson, was in the U.S. Air Force. Her mother, Dawn Dove, was from a prominent Narragansett tribal family. She was raised in Exeter before moving to Hopkinton as a teenager. She attended Chariho High School. Lorén is an enrolled citizen
Dr. Joyce Stevos was born in Providence on May 22, 1943. Her father, Josephus Caldwell, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, was a native of Alabama; her mother, Patricia, was born in Providence. The family lived on 67 Winter Street near the city’s educational complex, where one day Joyce would excel. As a youth, Joyce
John Howell, acknowledged Dean of Rhode Island newspapers, recently sold a majority interest in Beacon Communications, after decades of his stewardship. Now Beacon Media, the company includes the Warwick Beacon, Cranston Herald, Johnston Sun Rise, and the Reminder in Coventry. In an illustrious career that has spanned over 54 years, John still holds the title
Jim has been a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Providence branch for 22 years, during which he served as president for six terms, totaling 12 years (2011-2023). Under Jim’s leadership, the branch played a primary and significant role in the selection and promotion of six State judges