Spring transitions at RIHPHC
Executive Director J. Paul Loether will retire on June 25, 2021, capping a 43-year career in historic preservation. In his three years of leadership at the Commission, he counts among his accomplishments working on the Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, updating the State Element Plan, creating RIHPHC's first Strategic Plan, ensuring statutory compliance, building strong communications with the Governor's office on preservation issues and funding, working with the Department of Capital Assets Maintenance and Management to complete the exterior restoration of the RIHPHC’s headquarters in Providence’s Old State House (1760-62 et seq.), and and supporting Commission staff in their work, health, and safety. RIHPHC staff and Commissioners wish him a very happy retirement.
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Elizabeth Totten has joined the Commission staff as the Project Review Coordinator. She previously worked at the Public Archaeology Laboratory as a Preservation Planner and at the Maryland Historical Trust (MD SHPO) as a preservation officer where she reviewed state and federal historic credit applications. Elizabeth holds a Master of Historic Preservation from the University of Maryland and a M.A. in Literatures, Cultures, and Languages from the University of Connecticut. Welcome Elizabeth! |
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New leadership at the Department of the Interior |
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland made history when she became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. A member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican, she was one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. The Department of the Interior oversees many federal historic preservation programs through the National Park Service. |
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A truly historic National Register listing
What's more historic than a listing in the National Register of Historic Places? When your listing makes history because it is the first bilingual National Register nomination ever submitted to the National Park Service.
Constructed in 1915-19, the Plymouth Congregational Church/La Iglesia Congregacional de Plymouth at 1014 Broad Street in Providence was designed in the English Gothic Revival style by architect George F. Newton of Boston. In 1971, the building was sold to Holy Cross Church of God in Christ, an African American congregation. Iglesia Visión Evangélica acquired the property in 2016. The nomination details the history and architecture of this city church, preserved by three congregations for more than a century.
The Spanish translation is included within the nomination posted on our website. While NPS doesn't yet have a Spanish-language form, you will find the Spanish-language architectural description and historic starting on page 39 of the document. Now that's a significant nomination! |
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Have you registered yet? Join us online for Rhode Island's 35th preservation conference: Wednesday, April 21-Friday, April 23, 2021. The program features two keynote talks, 12 breakout sessions, virtual tours, and networking, as well as an afternoon dedicated to historic district training workshops. preservationconferenceri.com Registration: $25 | student discounts available.
Photo credits: CCRI; Providence Public Library; (c) Thad Russell Photography
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The people have spoken!
On March 2, Rhode Island voters approved $7 million in bond funding for the Arts Economy and State Preservation Grants. RIHPHC will receive $1 million to re-fund the State Preservation Grants Program and will again award competitive grants for capital preservation projects at historic buildings that are home to cultural art centers, public historic sites, and museums like the Newport Art Museum (pictured).
Since the State Preservation Grants program's inception in 2003, RIHPHC has awarded $10.6 million in 160+ grants that have funded projects in 31 of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns. These projects not only help the non-profit organizations whose buildings are repaired, restored, or rehabilitated -- they also push funds back into the economy through materials sales, taxes, and support for local contractors.
Look for our enews, and follow us on social media for future details about the next round of State Preservation Grants!
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April's heritage happenings
RIHPHC's calendar of heritage events showcases Rhode Island's diverse communities:
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Alliance Française presents Trois Couleurs: BLANC (4/3, 11am)
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Historic New England invites you to Make History (4/6, 6pm)
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Tomaquag Museum hosts an herbal tea workshop with Kristine Jones (4/10, 11am)
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The Black Storytellers presents 30th Black Master Annual Festival (4/10, 17, 25, 6pm)
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Alliance Française presents Marie-Josée Duquette on poutine (4/12, 7pm)
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Tomaquag Museum hosts Conversations with author Yvonne Wakin Dennis (4/14, 6pm)
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Alliance Française invites you to L'Apero with Flavien Collet (4/20, 5:30pm)
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Alliance Française presents La Double Vie De Veronique (4/24, 11am)
Have an upcoming event to share? Contact Donna Alqassar, Heritage Coordinator
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RIHPHC at work
The R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission office is open with limited staffing during weekday business hours (9am - 4pm). Many staff members are teleworking and accessible by email. Public access is limited to deliveries and pickups. Please use the doorbell at the Benefit Street entrance (with your elbow).
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Rhode Island
Historical Preservation
& Heritage Commission
(401)222-2678
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