6:30 p.m. April 21, 2025, BVHS, 1873 Old Louisquissett Pike, Lincoln, RI
Ashley Selima, Director of the RI State Archives and Lauren Fogarty, Program Coordinator of the RI Semiquincentennial Commission, will be doing a special joint presentation at BVHS. The first part will be a presentation on the records of the State Archives and the story they tell about the American Revolution. This will be followed by a talk on the work of the RI250 Commission.
April 19, 2025, will be the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard round the world” — the Battles of Lexington and Concord that launched the Revolutionary War.

Ashley Selima, MLIS, MPA, CA
Ashley serves as Director of State Archives & Public Records Administration for the state of Rhode Island and works with agencies and stakeholders throughout the state to ensure proper care and management of public records for their entire lifecycle. She is passionate about universal access to information and positive user experience in discovery of historic collections. She leads the State Archives Division in planning, coordinating, and connecting with the community through public events, assistance, and outreach.

Lauren Fogarty, M.A.
Lauren serves as Program Coordinator for the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission (RI250), leading efforts to commemorate Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution through public programs, civic engagement, and heritage tourism. She collaborates with government agencies and community partners to connect the state’s historical legacy with present-day education and public outreach. With a background in Political Science and International Relations, Lauren is dedicated to fostering informed, engaged communities through impactful programming and strategic initiatives.