The Cranston Historical Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary and has a series of special events slated for the weekend of Sept. 6.

There will be a gala evening on Friday to honor selected community members, an outdoor movie night on Saturday, and a special military ceremony on Sunday commemorating the Civil War cannons kept on the Sprague property. With the exception of the gala, the events are free to the public. (More events will be held in the coming months and announced in advance.)

“With the help of our members and dedicated volunteers, the society has worked to protect, preserve and promote Cranston's history,” said Society President Sandra Moyer. “The support of the community is essential to the work that we do so we hope that the public joins us in celebrating our anniversary by attending the events we have planned.”

The weekend events include:

A special anniversary gala on Sept. 6, on the lawn of the stately Sprague Mansion at 1351 Cranston St. The event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., will honor nine people whose work has benefitted Cranston over the years. The evening, with tickets at $50 per person, will serve as an important fundraiser for the Historical Society and will include refreshments.

The honorees (in alphabetical order) are: Lieutenant General Reginald A. Centracchio (ret.); John Howell, Editor of the Warwick Beacon (and former publisher of the Cranston Herald); R.I. Sen. Frank S. Lombardi; Nicholas Mattiello, former Speaker of the House for the Rhode Island General Assembly; Joanne McGunagle, President & CEO of Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP); U.S. Navy World War II Veteran Henry Polichetti, who is 109 years young; U.S. Sen. Jack Reed; the White Family Foundation; and the Honorable Frank J. Williams, retired Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Tickets are still available on a first-come, first-served basis and it is recommended that they be purchased in advance. Tickets will also be available the night of the event.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, there will be an outdoor movie on the grounds of the mansion, with the showing of the film “National Treasure.” Parking is available at the neighboring Cranston Printworks and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, there will be a special ceremony at the Sprague Mansion Carriage House to commemorate the return of historic Civil War cannons housed at the Sprague Mansion Carriage House. Special guests will include the Rhode Island National Guard, the Rhode Island Militia and members of Veterans Foreign Wars. The event will start at 3 p.m. and is free to the public.

The Cranston Historical Society was created in 1949 by residents who wanted to help the public learn about the city’s rich history. Over time, it took on the role of stewardship, purchasing the historic 18th century Joy Homestead on Scituate Avenue in 1959. Later, the Society stepped in to prevent the demolition of the stately Governor Sprague Mansion on Cranston Street. The house was the birthplace of Governor William Sprague III and his nephew, Governor William Sprague IV. The original part of the home was built around 1790 and expanded significantly in 1864.

“Starting with our gala, this will be a wonderful opportunity to honor some outstanding community leaders who have contributed to the City of Cranston,” said former Mayor John O’Leary, who is chairman of the Friday night gala event. “Our main charge is to ensure that the history of Cranston is passed on to the people of the city — particularly our school children. The Sprague Mansion and Joy Homestead are truly gems here in the city.”

For more information, including tickets, contact the Sprague Mansion at 401-944-9226 or John O’Leary at 401-749-2500.

Editor’s Note: Barbara Polichetti is a frequent contributor to the Cranston Herald. She is also a volunteer member of the Cranston Historical Society.