Boston Globe Innovator Q&A
SUBSCRIBERS SEE LINK: Boston Globe | Rhode Island | 03.09.26
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New app turns Rhode Island history into a Revolutionary Quest
As America gets closer to its 250th birthday, Michelle Girasole has created a GPS-driven app to let adventurers learn more about R.I.’s history — and win prizes doing it
03.09.2026 written by Carlos Munoz
"Ask Americans how the country won independence, or to name the three branches of government, and the silence might surprise you.
Studies show Americans struggle to grasp civics, geography, or recall the nation’s founding history despite a requirement that almost all students study US history in elementary school.
We are better when it comes to pop culture, and can rattle off the cast of “Love Island” or recite lines from the latest Dunkin’ ad.
Michelle Girasole, founder of Rhode Island-based Fresh LLC, wants to make history as fun as reality TV with a GPS-driven walking and driving tour app called Revolutionary RI250 Quest.
Participants who join the summer-long, statewide scavenger hunt will receive a game code to enter into the MooveGo app to register in each of eight Rhode Island towns the quest spotlights for their role in the fight for the nation’s independence, activating the app’s map, and all of its puzzles, trivia, and video challenges, according to Girasole.
Explorers will compete on a statewide leaderboard to earn points and prizes. The competition kicks off on May 3 at the Nathanael Greene Homestead in Coventry, and runs through July 11. Sites include the Varnum House Museum in East Greenwich, Smith’s Castle in North Kingstown, and The Colony House and historic wharves of Newport.
What sparked your interest in creating the Revolutionary RI250 Quest?
When I was a kid, that tall ships event (in Newport), standing on the docks and looking up at the ships and seeing everyone in their Colonial uniforms, really inspired a love of history because it was a living reenactment. I’ve been partnering with a lot of the historical societies, and they create these wonderful events, and it’s hard to get families to go. You tend to see the same lovers of history, who tend to be older, with a few families that wander through. So to do something innovative like this has been really popular with the historians because they they see technology as the way of the future. And the kids really like learning through their phones. And it kind of blends.
What does it cost?
The Revolutionary RI250 Quest is planning for 250 teams with team fees of $250 for up to four players, which includes all eight challenges and prizes. Those who do not want to purchase the full contest can purchase a single hunt for $25."
Participants can sign-up at ri250quest.com.
The Boston Globe’s weekly Ocean State Innovators column features a Q&A with Rhode Island innovators who are starting new businesses and nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, and reshaping the state’s economy. Send tips and suggestions to rinews@globe.com.
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