NPS Photo Claiborne Pell was born November 22, 1918 in New York City. His father was a US Congressman and foreign diplomat. Pell served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. In 1960, he won a seat in the United States Senate representing Rhode Island and served until 1997. His time as a senator is most recognized for having created legislation in 1972 that provided financial aid for American college students. Now named after him, the Pell Grant is one of the most successful student aid programs. Additionally, he voted in favor of two civil rights acts, the 24th Amendment of the Constitution, and introduced the legislation that established Roger Williams National Memorial on October 22, 1965. Senator Pell passed away on January 1, 2009. Roger Williams was, “a figure of towering importance in the development of American thought. The guiding principle of Roger Williams' colony in Rhode Island was tolerance of diversity without surrender of personal identity, and that principle is as vital and as worthy of commemoration today as it was 320 years ago when the charter for Providence Plantations was granted.” -- Claiborne Pell, introducing legislation to congress for the establishment of Roger Williams National Memorial, May 14, 1964 |
Last updated: November 16, 2024