Washington’s Letter to Newport’s Hebrew Congregation, Narrated by Laura Freedman Pedrick

Laura Freedman Pedrick formerly served as a trustee of St. George’s School, and on the Board of Governors at Newport Hospital. She is a current board member of the Newport String Project. As the former chair of TSF Newport, dedicated to Teaching the history of the Separation of church & state and religious Freedom in the United States, Laura now serves as ex-officio on that board in Newport, Rhode Island. Pedrick recounts George Washington's 1790 letter to Newport's Hebrew congregation, a founding promise of religious liberty that "gives to bigotry no sanction."

250 to 250

From the time of our country’s founding 250 years ago, the story of America has been one of the constant efforts of Americans—from all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities—to make real the belief that we are all created equal and have a right to have a say in our democracy. We will be telling their stories over the next several weeks because now, as ever, “We Are America.”

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Notes

Unless otherwise noted, all images used in this video are in the public domain.