THE STATEWIDE ADVOCATE FOR HISTORIC PLACES |
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2022 Rhody Awards to be Held at Ochre Court in Newport |
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Once again, we’ve received a tremendous amount of remarkable nominations this year! Interest in historic preservation and the Rhody Awards continues to build each year, and we are thrilled to share the stories of these preservation heroes.
Be sure to mark your calendars, tickets go on sale in July.
Rhody Awards Ceremony & Celebration
Ochre Court, Newport
Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
4-7 PM
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Show your support for preservation by becoming a Rhody Awards Sponsor.
We are reliant on sponsorships to raise critical funding for Preserve RI to continue this event and its mission of advocating for, protecting and honoring preservation projects across the state. Learn more on sponsor levels and benefits here:
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Valentine Whitman House to become a Family Home
Once Again
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As we enter the final phase of our rehabilitation project of the Valentine Whitman House (c. 1696) in Lincoln, we are excited to share that this historic property will once again be a private residence. A historic easement, overseen by Preserve RI, will be put on the property, protecting the architectural integrity of the house permanently. The Town of Lincoln transferred ownership of the Valentine Whitman House to Preserve RI in July 2021. Extensive repair and rehabilitation work, estimated to cost $600 thousand, should be complete in June.
The Town of Lincoln turned to Preserve RI for help in identifying a solution for the former house museum. With extensive repairs required and limited revenue streams, it’s fate was uncertain. Several business models were explored, including unique vacation stays, before deciding that transitioning to a private residence made the most sense. “Selling this important house, with an easement attached, will ensure that a family who appreciates the historic value of this home will love and protect it for generations to come. It will also allow Preserve RI to recoup our investment so we can take on more projects like this in the future. We are proud to help the town of Lincoln find new purpose for this property and set the Valentine Whitman House on a sustainable course for its next 300 years,"said Valerie Talmage, Executive Director of Preserve RI.
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The Valentine Whitman House is Preserve RI’s most ambitious Revolving Fund project to date, requiring extensive work to every part of the house. Some of the bigger repairs include:
- A new wood shake roof and new cedar shingles on the sidewalls, covering approximately 75% of the building.
- New storm windows and the house and garage painted in a historically appropriate color.
- All new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
- A custom-designed kitchen, renovated and additional bathrooms, and laundry were created for 21st Century comforts.
- Original wood floors and plaster walls restored and repaired as needed.
Keep an eye out! We plan on having a ribbon cutting open to the public once the project is completed.
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Meet One of Our Newest Board Members:
Erica Luke
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Erica has served as the Executive Director of the South County History Center since 2014. In her role there she has led several projects and initiatives, including the acquisition of the Kenneth T. Mars, Jr. Photograph Collection, likely the largest collection of vernacular photography by a person of color in the United States, and managing more than $150,000 in improvements to the Center’s headquarters, the Old Washington County Jail. Prior to joining the Center, Erica served the Smithsonian’s National Museum for American History, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Newseum. She has a B.A. in History from the University of Delaware and a M.A. in Museum Studies from George Washington University.
“Preserve RI is an innovative and passionate voice for historic preservation throughout Rhode Island. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support its important work.” – Erica Luke
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Stone Wall Repair on Aquidneck Island Continues |
Slowly but surely, the stone walls that are a prime feature along the roadsides of Aquidneck Island are coming back to “life”. Long neglected, collapsed and pilfered, the walls were disappearing.
Now entering its third year, the Aquidneck Stone Wall Initiative, is actively training volunteers in the art of dry stone walling and restoring important historical landscapes on Aquidneck Island. In partnership with the Preservation Society of Newport County, Preserve Rhode Island is continuously thankful to volunteers that have come out in past years to make this program possible.
The Initiative will soon be holding an info session and accepting applications for this year’s Stone Wall Volunteer Corps. This summer at Glen Farm in Portsmouth, the Corps will extend the 800+ linear feet of wall already restored. Interested in learning more about the program and how you can get involved? Click below!
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“ When I left Norman Bird the last day, I turned back and looked at the wall. I was really proud of the lasting work the group had done. ”
-Member of the 2021 Volunteer Corps
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This Year's 1772 Matching Grant Awardees |
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Join us in congratulating the 14 nonprofit organizations awarded preservation grants toward maintaining their historic sites in Rhode Island in 2022. The organizations received a total of $123,000 in grants from The 1772 Foundation.
Preserve Rhode Island is proud to continue our partnership with The 1772 Foundation again this year. It administers the awarding of one-to-one grants of up to $10,000 to organizations with historic sites specifically for essential maintenance. Grants may be used for such vital work as exterior painting; fire safety improvements; and roof, window, porch and structural foundation repair. For the recipients, it is invaluable help in preserving and revitalizing the centuries-old buildings that Rhode Islanders love and use.
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(Left) The Steel Yard, is a non-profit industrial art center located in the Industrial Valley Neighborhood of Providence, RI and one of this year's 1772 matching grant awardees. The awarded funds will go towards restoring the original historic steel frame windows throughout the Community Art Building (Right) .
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Meet Preserve Rhode Island's Newest Members |
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Emma Sheridan
Program and Property Coordinator
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Jane Bird
Museum Associate
at Lippitt House
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The Preserve Rhode Island team is growing with two additions to our organization. Jane comes to Lippitt House from a background in community outreach and the arts. She is a talented tour guide, researcher and historical reenactor amongst many other things. Emma is PRI's new Project Coordinator and comes from a diverse background of marketing and hospitality to event planning. Click here to read their full bios.
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RIHPHC is Hiring: Executive Director |
The State of Rhode Island is accepting applications for Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. To apply or learn more about the position visit:
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Preservation News Articles |
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PACKED HOUSE: Johnston residents packed the Johnston Senior Center on Thursday night, April 28, for a marathon Zoning Board meeting that lasted beyond 2 a.m. Ultimately, the concerned residents scored a victory as the board was unable to approve proposals from Cranston-based Green Development to build five new solar fields in residential western Johnston neighborhoods.
*A note from PRI: The historically significant Winsor Farm located in Johnston would have been demolished had this proposal gone through.
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