The Cato Varnum Freedom Library at Vernon House
Service, Honor, and Freedom explored in partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation. Coming Fall 2026.
Welcome Home, Cato Varnum
In 1778 teenage Cato Varnum enlisted in the Revolutionary War in exchange for for his freedom.
We dedicate this Freedom Library to the memory of Cato Varnum and everyone who has chosen service as a way to get free. Come explore an exhibit that offers some stories from the past and an opportunity to vision our best possible future.
Though he fought in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment honorably, he was never paid what he was owed.
Get Involved
The Freedom Library will be open from October 3 - November 22, 2026.
There will be a variety of free community events throughout the installation. You can see the calendar of events, suggest one and learn more here.
There will be ongoing drop-in activities and a selection of books that supported the research of the project available during all open hours. You can see a selection of the books, suggest books and learn more here.
Lead Artists
Rebecca Noon
Rebecca is a community arts organizer, deviser, and administrator who lives in Newport. She has created original live community-based performance since 2010, mostly in Rhode Island, but other places too.
Jed Hancock-Brainerd
Born and raised in Newport, Jed got his BFA in Acting from URI and an MFA in Devised Theater from the London International School of Performing Arts. Today, he is a theater-maker, performance educator and support staff member at Bike Newport. He teaches at Salve Regina and offers private lessons in the Alexander Technique.
Jane Carey
Jane Carey is a Newport native whose working career was off-island as an Art Director and Book Designer for technology, trade and college textbooks at Artech House, Beacon Press and Harcourt Brace. Her local interests include a revival of the city’s cemetery commission and research contributions of Newport’s historic landscapes to the Smithsonian Archives of American Gardens.
Dominique Sindayiganza
Dominique Sindayiganza is a photographer who uses his camera to create and celebrate community. In his long-term personal photo series, entitled “HOMECOMING”, he focuses on photographing strangers at home.
He lives in Providence, RI with his wife and 3 daughters.