1. On May 20, 1774, the citizens of Providence voted in favor of a boycott against British goods, marking one of the earliest acts of resistance against British rule in the American colonies.

2. May 20, 1902 saw the birth of Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country. It originally housed a small collection of animals, but has since expanded to feature over 100 species.

3. Rhode Island established its first state arboretum on May 20, 1983. Located in Roger Williams Park, the arboretum features over 150 species of trees, including rare and exotic specimens.

4. May 20, 2000 marked the opening of the Providence Place Mall, the largest shopping center in Rhode Island. The mall features over 170 stores, as well as a movie theater, restaurants, and a food court.

5. On May 20, 2014, Providence became the first city in the country to offer a bike-share program with electric-assist bicycles. The program, called JUMP Bikes, allows residents and visitors to rent bikes from kiosks around the city, making it easier to explore without relying on cars.