FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brenda D. Farrell, Corporate Communications Manager, 401-348-1363
DATE: March 17, 2004

Washington Trust's Cranston Branch To Host the 'Make it Happen' Financial Seminar Series

Westerly, Rhode Island... The Washington Trust Company will host a series of free, one-hour financial seminars at its Cranston branch, located at the corner of Park and Reservoir Avenues. The five "Make It Happen" seminars are open to the public, and offer expert advice from Washington Trust's financial service professionals on the following topics:

American Dream Come True: Buying Your First Home
Thursday, March 25, 7 - 8 p.m.
Speakers: Vincent Moretti, Cranston Branch Manager, The Washington Trust Company; Lauren Ridgely, Realtor, ReMax Professionals

Preserving Wealth for Future Generations: Estate Planning
Thursday, April 1, 7 - 8 p.m.
Speaker: Peter Miniati, Vice President and Trust Officer, The Washington Trust Company

Tools You Can Use Today to Secure Your Tomorrow: Retirement Planning Thursday, April 8, 7 - 8 p.m.
Speaker: Sharon Snyder, Financial Services Officer, The Washington Trust Company

It Fakes a Thief: Protecting Your Identity in the Information Age
Thursday, April 15, 7 - 8 p.m.
Speakers: Steven Thacker, Vice President, Compliance, and Robert Laurie, Assistant Vice President, Security, The Washington Trust Company

Bank Anywhere, Any Time: Everything You Need to Know About Online Banking
Thursday, April 22, 7 - 8 p.m.
Speaker: Lisia Quinlivan, Vice President, E-Commerce, The Washington Trust Company

Seating is limited, and can be reserved by calling Andrea DiMasi in the Bank's Marketing department, 401-348-1254.

Founded in 1800, The Washington Trust Company is a state-chartered bank and offers a full range of financial services, including trust and investment management, through its branch offices in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. The Bank is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. whose common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.