Before the first musket was fired, the American Revolution was sparked by messages.

This spring, the John Hay Library at Brown University invites you to explore our latest exhibition, Revolutionary Communication: Printing Independence and the Birth of the American Stamp, bringing together original maps, newspapers, and artifacts that show how communication became our nation’s first act of sovereignty.

Discover the story of William Goddard — a Providence printer who founded The Providence Gazette and established The Constitutional Post. This independent postal network bypassed British surveillance and carried revolutionary ideas across the colonies. The simple act of sending a letter became a radical act of defiance for American liberty. As we celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence this year, join us to witness where the Revolution truly began.

The event will feature the first official commemorative stamp cancellation event in Rhode Island since 1990, with Jeanne Jackson, the first female postmaster in Providence. Bring your own envelope — or collect our customized-designed postcard on-site — to receive a unique, limited-edition cancellation stamp from Jeanne: a tangible piece of American postal history and a testament to the enduring power of free, open communication.

Exhibit Opening & Stamp Cancelation Event

Opening Reception: April 30th, 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm EDT
Location: Room 321, John Hay Library, 20 Prospect Street, Providence, RI
Co-sponsor: Brown University Library, David Winton Bell Gallery, Brown Arts Institute, Brown 2026
Cost: Free
MUST RSVP Here