The USA Tree at Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry … part of the beloved Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit (opening on November 8, 2026)… has taken on special meaning this year. In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary (1776–2026), the tree’s handcrafted ornaments will remain on display for two seasons, 2025 and 2026, marking this milestone in the nation’s story.

Among the ornaments representing states across the country are six handcrafted pieces by Keith R. and Jennifer Ray Wahl of Rhode Island (owners of Made From RI and Made From RI Gallery - Note: No payment was made to Made From RI for these ornaments; this was an act of charity) each one a miniature representation of history and identity. The project was a true collaboration: Keith provided the photography and writing, while Jennifer sourced the materials and carried out the printing that brought each design into physical form.

• The Rhode Island State House – with its great dome and marble presence, symbolizing the state’s enduring “Lively Experiment” in freedom of conscience.
• The Independent Man – standing tall atop the dome, a reminder of Rhode Island’s fierce tradition of self‑determination.
• Roger Williams – the founder’s statue, embodying the radical vision of liberty and religious tolerance that shaped the colony.
• The Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge – an engineering marvel linking Aquidneck Island to Conanicut Island and the mainland, a modern icon of connection and resilience.
• The Working Port of Galilee – honoring Rhode Island’s living maritime heritage, where ferries, fishing boats, and community life converge.
• The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace – celebrating the portrait artist whose image of George Washington graces the $1 bill, tying Rhode Island artistry to the nation’s currency and the world’s memory.

Together, these six ornaments form a gallery of Rhode Island’s civic, cultural, and artistic heritage, standing proudly among contributions from states nationwide.

Rhode Island’s Voice in a National Tradition

The USA Tree is more than decoration … it is a living gallery of American creativity and community spirit. Each ornament carries the story of its makers and their home state. By weaving Rhode Island’s landmarks and legacies into ornament form, Keith and Jennifer Wahl ensure that the Ocean State’s voice is heard in this national chorus of artistry.

Placed within the larger Christmas Around the World exhibit … where more than 50 trees and displays celebrate global traditions … the USA Tree reminds visitors that America’s story is itself a tapestry of local identities. This year, with its 250th anniversary theme, the tree becomes both a seasonal centerpiece and a commemorative marker of national history.

Closing Note

Rhode Island’s six ornaments on the USA Tree show how local heritage can shine on a national stage. From Roger Williams’ radical vision to the working boats of Galilee, these symbols remind us that the smallest state carries a story as vast and enduring as the nation itself … now woven into the fabric of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The full presentation of the ornaments may be found here: Ornaments of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light