FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brenda D. Farrell, Corporate Communications Manager, 401-348-1363
DATE: March 19, 2004

Washington Trust Main Office to Host Free Seminar for First-Time Homebuyers

Westerly, Rhode Island... The Washington Trust Company and Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation (RIHMFC) will host a free seminar, "First-Time Homebuying Made Easy," on Wednesday, March 31, beginning at 6 p.m. at Washington Trust Warwick branch, 236 Centerville Road.

The seminar will explore all aspects of the home purchasing process, including what to expect when buying a home, down payment and closing cost options, the criteria lenders use to examine applicants, and program qualifications. Speakers will include a RIHMFC representative, a Consumer Credit Counseling Service representative, and Washington Trust's Gina Mead, Vice President, Mortgage Officer.

Reservations are required to ensure space and course material availability. Attendees will receive the homebuyer's education certificate that is required for RIHMFC financing. For reservations, call The Washington Trust Company, 401-348-1333 or 1-800-475-2265.

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.