RIHPHC is grateful to Dr. Timothy Ives for his decade of service as Principal Archaeologist. His contributions to Rhode Island archaeology have included publications in scientific and anthropological journals, regular public lectures and historical landscape tours, administering a survey of coastal archaeological sites damaged by Hurricane Sandy, orchestrating a federally-funded collaboration with the University of Rhode Island to develop a state archaeological collections repository, and organizing seven years of the Rhode Island Archaeology Month program. He will continue his preservation career within cultural resource management’s private sector.

The Town of South Kingstown will host statewide Historic District Commission (HDC) Training led by the National Association of Preservation Commissions. The free Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP®) takes place on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00am to 4:30pm in Peace Dale. Priority will be given to HDC members and municipal planning staff; additional places may be available for elected officials, members of other town boards, and interested parties. Lunch is provided. All sessions qualify for AIA and APA continuing education credits.

Register by September 9 | Questions? Contact Brian Wagner, Town of South Kingstown

Mandatory training of local Historic District Commissions is the law in Rhode Island. House and Senate bills became effective on June 25, 2022 and now are Chapters 142 and 143 of the Public Laws of 2022. Originally approved in 2017, the law regarding education on sea-level rise and storm water management, now also addresses continuing education on land use planning for local planning, zoning, and historic district commission members.

It is expected that beginning in 2023, HDC members will be required to complete: 

• A three-hour introductory course one time within two years of enactment or a new appointment.

• A one-hour annual update every year

RIHPHC will keep you updated on this new continuing education requirement. 

Leading off: North Kingstown's Cedar Point Historic District, with its five houses constructed between 1872 and 1910 (including the Hunt House, pictured), has been listed in the National Register for its significance to local architectural and community history. Batting next from Middletown: St. Columba's, The Berkeley Memorial Chapel(1884-86) and its historic churchyard were recognized for significance to the fields of art, architecture, and community development. And the Wakefield Historic District in South Kingstown has been expanded to include three historic resources from the 1930s and 1940s: Saugatucket Park, Saugatucket River Footbridge, and the former Wakefield Post Office. 

After 16 days of fieldwork led by the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project, the remains of the HMS Gaspee have not been found. . .yet. Data collected by the team is undergoing analysis. A detailed final report will be submitted to RIHPHC before results are shared with the public. 

Meanwhile, the RI250 Commission has unveiled their logo and continues to forge partnerships with local organizations commemorating the American Revolution in Rhode Island. Together with the RI Department of State and the Phyllis Kimball Johnstone and H. Earl Kimball Foundation, RI250 welcomed nearly 40 teachers aboard Rhode Island's flagship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry for a floating professional development conference last month. 

RIHPHC works closely with the RI Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to review and rehabilitate historic bridges when possible. See our website to learn more about State-owned Historic Properties and RIHPHC’s regulatory review role. 

RIHPHC's calendar of heritage events showcases Rhode Island's diverse communities:

Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival presented by Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (9/3)

2022 “3-Day” Cranston Greek Festival  (9/9 - 9/11)

Tomaquag Museum's Story Time (9/10)

Guatemalan Center of New England hosts Festival Guatemala 2022 (9/11)

Saint George Maronite Catholic Church hosts Annual Lebanese Festival (9-16 - 9/18)

RIHPHC hosts Rhode Island's 44th Annual Heritage Day Festival (9/17)

RI Latino Arts presents Sabor Latino 2022 (9/18)

Cape Verdean Museum Grand Opening Gala (9/24)

German American Cultural Society hosts Oktoberfest (9/24 & 9/25)

Have an upcoming event to share? Contact Donna Alqassar, Heritage Coordinator. For the latest listings, follow @rihphc_heritage on Instagram.

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.