What did the Cranstons do to get Rhode Island’s third largest city named after them? Why are there streets and parks in numerous communities named after them as well? Join historian Tim Cranston as he looks into these questions and examines the extraordinary contributions of numerous colonial-era Cranstons in making sure that Rhode Island not only thrived but survived to become a state.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required but those who register at least three days before the event will receive an email reminder.

Tim Cranston is an award-winning historian and author who can trace his Rhode Island roots back to 1637 when his ancestor John Cranston emigrated from Scotland. A self-described “Swamp Yankee,” Tim was appointed Town Historian of North Kingstown, and his weekly column, “The View from Swamptown,” ran for over twenty years in the South County Independent.  Swamptown Enterprises, Tim’s non-profit corporation, has garnered education and advocacy awards, and he’s been recognized frequently for his tireless preservation efforts.