The John Clarke Society of Early American Democracy kicks off the Governor’s yearlong celebration of Rhode Island’s Royal Charter of 1663. May 4th at 11:30, Washington Square, Newport, the Society will celebrate the Charter with the premier performance of America’s Magna Carta. Based on the true story, the play tells the story of how Newport founder Dr. John Clarke changed the course of Western Civilization by drafting and procuring the Charter.
The Charter is the first document in all of history wherein a sovereign granted church/state separation along with extraordinary freedoms of speech to a political entity, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
America’s Magna Carta, begins at 12:45 pm for approximately 35 minutes. Come and learn the story of how the Charter came to be and was then used by James Madison as he wrote America’s Constitution and Bill of Rights. Noted Playwright Ken Dooley writes “interesting and very informative play.”
Families of all ages will learn this essential part of American history that emanated from Newport. Learn of the travails that Clarke suffered at the hands of Puritans in Lynn, MA, challenges posed by Oliver Cromwell, as well as extraordinary interactions with Lord Clarendon, John Milton, and King Charles II.
The Play concludes with festive dancing; Ladies of the Rolling Pin and the Westerly Morris Men perform 17th c. music and dance. Other 17th century festivities are being planned. The celebration will close by 4:00 pm with a canon salute by Artillery Company of Newport. Chartered by King George II 271 years ago, the Company will use one of four canons cast in Paul Revere’s Foundry.
The event is free and open to the public and ADA compliant.
For more information visit
The John Clarke Society
A Lively Experiment
email: JohncClarkeSociety@cox.net
This event is part of the Rhode Island Colonial Charter Commission’s celebration of the Charter’s 350th anniversary
