Year Inducted: 1978
Ambassador William H. Sullivan - William Healy Sullivan was an American foreign service career officer who held ambassadorships to Laos, the Philippines, and Iran as well as serving in numerous important advisory posts dealing with major foreign policy issues throughout his lengthy career. Born in Cranston, Rhode Island to Joseph and Sabina (nee Foley) Sullivan on October 12, 1922, Sullivan…
Antoinette F. Downing - Antoinette F. Downing, 1904-2001, was the preservationist who was Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and the Providence Historic District Commission. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the buildings of Rhode Island have made her name synonymous with historic preservation in the state.
Dr. William T. Osmanski - Dr. William (Bill) Osmanski began his great football career at Central High School in Providence, Rhode Island. He was born in Providence on December 29, 1915. He earned All-State honors twice and led his team to the Class A state championship in 1934. He picked up the nickname "Bullet Bill" during high school. Osmanski was…
Frances G. Knight - Frances Knight was the director of the U.S. Passport Office from 1955-1977. Known for her stern attitude and conservative policies, she transformed the Passport Office into an efficient infrastructure. Born in Newport, Rhode Island on July 22, 1905, but raised in New York City, Frances Gladys Knight was destined for a bright future. Frances was…
Harry Kizirian - Harry Kizirian, 1925 " 2002, was the postmaster who oversaw construction of the first automated post office in the nation, which opened in Providence in 1960. Kizirian also won the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star with Combat V, two Purple Hearts, and the Rhode Island Cross as a Marine Corps Corporal in World War II.
James N. Williams - James N. Williams was the first and long-time Executive Director of the Urban League of Rhode Island and participated in the triumphs in the battle for racial equality in this nation. He also was active in many civic endeavors and served as a member of the state Advisory Council on Aging and other organizations which…
Princess Red Wing (Mary E. Glasko) - Born on March 21, 1896, in Sprague, Connecticut, Mary E. Glasko was the daughter of Walter and Hannah (nee Weeden) Glasko. Her mother, a Pokanoket, named her Princess Red Wing after the red-winged blackbird. Since then, she has been known as Princess Red Wing of the Seven Crescents, from the Royal House of Pokanoket. Influenced…
Thomas Eadie - Navy Lt. Thomas Eadie spent a combined 30 years of service in the Navy from the early 20th century to after World War II, most of them while living in Newport, Rhode Island. His work as an expert diver salvaging shipwrecks earned him several accolades, especially when it came to saving a fellow diver who…
William H. Edwards - William H. Edwards, 1898-1976, was head of Edwards and Angell, the prestigious Providence law firm. He was active in numerous civic groups, and focused his energy especially on the needs of minority groups and the elderly.
