Patriot's artifact exhibit on display in Newport museum

The Newport Historical Society announces its new exhibit, "An Indomitable Spirit: The Life and Legacy of William Ellery, Newport's Signer of the Declaration of Independence."

The exhibit opened Aug. 17 and explores the life and personality of this Newport native through the historical society's extraordinary collection of Ellery artifacts.

William Ellery, Jr. (1727-1820) was a Harvard-educated merchant, lawyer and patriot. He was elected to the Continental Congress in May 1776, and was one of two representatives from Rhode Island to sign the Declaration of Independence. After serving in Congress, Ellery returned to Newport and spent the rest of his self-proclaimed "varied and anxious life" in numerous occupations, including loan officer and customs collector.

Highlights of the exhibit include Ellery's wingback armchair, upholstered with fine crewel embroidery, decorated by his wife, Abigail, and his fine mahogany writing desk. Both pieces serve as significant examples of the work of Newport's premier cabinetmaking families, the Townsends and the Goddards. The armchair, which has remained in the family since its creation, is a recent gift of Thomas Hale of Martha's Vineyard, made in honor of the Ellery and Stedman families. Ellery's writing desk has never before been publicly exhibited by the historical society. Other items to be exhibited include Ellery's lantern, which hung on Newport's "Liberty Tree," his waistcoat and traveling liquor box.

The historical society looks forward to hearing from any Ellery descendants not currently known to them.

The exhibit continues through the end of the year and can be viewed Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the Newport Historical Society headquarters at 846-0813, or visit www.newporthistorical. org.