Frog & Toad and Rhode Island Historical Society Launch T-Shirt Collaboration
Shirts Offer Mashup of RI History and Classic Rock in Honor of RIHS Bicentennial
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Historical Society and Frog & Toad are excited to announce the launch of an exclusive line of t-shirts celebrating Rhode Island’s history and spirit of rebellion and irreverence.
The shirts take their visual inspiration from classic rock t-shirts while paying homage to famous moments from Rhode Island’s history. The first shirt, which will be available beginning Friday, April 8, highlights the Gaspee Affair in the style of Led Zeppelin’s 1977 North American tour shirt. The initial run will include a series of three shirts, with the others launching later this spring.
“In our 200th year, in the midst of a profoundly challenging time in the world, we wanted to make sure that we were commemorating not only our anniversary but collaborating with other incredible institutions throughout the state,” said Dr. C. Morgan Grefe, Executive Director of the RIHS.
“Frankly, we thought everyone needed to have some lighthearted moments, as well. We couldn’t think of anyone better to work with than Frog & Toad. Their love for Rhode Island and all things quirky was a perfect fit with our desire to mark some of Rhode Island’s pivotal stories in a way only they could.”
“This project has been a collaboration of historical proportions!” said Asher Schofield, proprietor of Frog & Toad. “Working with RIHS has been incredibly educational and inspiring.
While their brilliant historians don’t exactly lead a rock-n-roll lifestyle, their wealth of knowledge and insight have led to the development of designs that I think Rhode Islanders will really love. We’re very proud that proceeds from all of these shirts will support the mission of RIHS and their stewardship of our shared history.”
The shirts are available to purchase from Frog & Toad at frogandtoadstore.com or at their Hope Street location in Providence.
The collaboration is part of the RIHS’s yearlong celebration of its 200th anniversary, which has also seen the creation of an 1822 Porter with Narragansett Brewery with additional collaborations with Rhode Island food and beverage partners slated for later this year.
About the Rhode Island Historical Society
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state’s oldest and only statewide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island’s past to enrich the present and inspire the future.
Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a means to develop empathy and 21st-century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest.
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center and the Aldrich House.
The headquarters of the Rhode Island Historical Society are located at 110 Benevolent St., Providence, RI 02906. Information: (401) 331-8575. Website:
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