September 30, 2002
Source: The Associated Press
On September 30, 2002 The Associated Press reported that "the founders of North America's oldest Jewish house of worship came to Rhode Island more than 250 years ago... In the centuries since, Newport's Touro Synagogue has become a symbol of religious freedom, a place where presidents, celebrities and foreign leaders have come to honor the legacy. Now, the Orthodox congregation is preparing to bring the synagogue into the 21st century with a multimillion-dollar restoration and expansion project aimed at attracting more visitors."