Inductees from 1981

Luther H. Blount (1916-2006)
Categories: Craftsmen, Industry - Maritime

Luther Blount, 1916-2006, was a builder of fine coastal ships, oil exploration vessels, and hospital ships. He also lead the revitalization of the state's oyster industry. Read more >
George Bucklin (1843-1918)
Categories: Military, Philanthropists

George N. Bucklin, 1843-1918, was a great benefactor to the Boy Scouts of RI, enabling the development of Camp Yawgoog and the famed Bucklin Memorials, one of the great camping showplaces of the country. Read more >
Joseph E. Buonanno, Sr. (1910-1991)
Categories: Banking / Finance, Education & Universities, Sports - Football

Joseph E. Buonanno, Sr., 1910-1991, was a great Brown quarterback in the 1930's. He became Trustee Emeritus of his University, and Founder of Metro Dyestuff Company. Read more >
William F. Flanagan
Categories: Education & Universities

The late William F. Flanagan was dean of the Graduate School of Rhode Island College when he was selected to establish the state's Junior College system in 1964. He then served as President for fourteen years, before becoming Executive Director of the R.I. Read more >
Major General Leonard Holland
Categories: Military

The late Major General Leonard Holland served as Adjutant General of the State and Commanding General of the R.I.National Guard. He was part of the Major General Officers Reserve Corps, and twice President of the Adjutant Generals Association of the United States. Read more >
Alfred Hahn Joslin (1914-1991)
Categories: Government & Politics

Alfred Hahn Joslin, 1914-1977, was Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and past Chairman of the Executive Committee of the American Bar Association for Rhode Island. He became Trustee, Vice Chancellor, and fellow of the Brown Corporation. He wrote more than 600 opinions and served as the chair of Capital Center Commission (1980-1991). Read more >
Sol Koffler
Categories: Industry - General, Inventors & Inventions, Philanthropists

The late Sol Koffler, was the inventor and manufacturer of the internationally famous Tourister Luggage. Although active in Jewish affairs, his philanthropy transcended all race, religion, or color. Read more >
Joseph P. McGee
Categories: Education & Universities, Sports - Basketball, Sports - Football

Joseph P. McGee was a three-sport star at Providence College. He instituted basketball at the school, serving as first captain and coach. He also became Varsity Football Coach of the Friars, and a member of the Providence College Hall of Fame. Read more >
Senator Claiborne Pell (1918-2009)
Categories: Government & Politics, Military

Senator Claiborne Pell, 1918-2009, became a Senior U.S. Senator from Rhode Island. He served in the Diplomatic Service for eight years after duty in the U. Read more >
Anna M. Tucker
Categories: Education & Universities, Government & Politics, Women

Anna M. Tucker was Director of the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs. She was a recipient of the URI Distinguished Alumni Award, and a member of the URI Athletic Hall of Fame. She became Director of the National Association of State Units on Aging. Read more >
Katherine U. Warren (1897-1976)
Categories: Historians/Historical Accounts, Preservation, Women

Katherine U. Warren, 1897-1976, was the founder of the Preservation Society of Newport County and served as president for over 20 years. Her leadership resulted in the acquisition of "The Breakers" and six other mansions for the Preservation Society. She received the French Legion d'Honneur for the Washington-Lafayette celebration held in Newport. Read more >
Frederick C. Williamson, Sr. (1915-2010)
Categories: African Americans, Civil Rights / Abolitionists, Government & Politics, Historians/Historical Accounts, Preservation

Frederick C. Williamson, Sr.,1915-2010, was State Director of the RI Department of Community Affairs and Rhode Island's Historic Preservation Officer. He was instrumental in many of the state's historic buildings and sites accepted for the National Historic Register. Read more >