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RIHPHC Bulletin
New Leadership at RIHPHC
Staff met last week to thank J. Paul Loether for his service to RIHPHC at our first in-person gathering since March 2020. Congrats to Paul, and welcome back, Jeffrey Emidy, as Interim Executive Director.

Does the setting look familiar? Thanks to Providence Preservation Society (our College Hill neighbor) for allowing us to gather in the stunning garden behind Shakespeare's Head.
Jeffrey Emidy has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the RIHPHC. Jeffrey began his employment with the RIHPHC in 2005 and currently serves as the Deputy Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. He served as Acting Executive Director for a year after the retirement of Edward F. Sanderson in 2017. Jeffrey puts the return of RIHPHC staff to the Old State House and reopening the building to the public among his top priorities.
RI Historic Tax Credits Extended and Recapitalized
RIHPHC reports that Rhode Island’s Historic Tax Credit program has been continued and another $20 million has been secured in the State’s new budget. The HTC helps owners meet the costs of substantial restoration projects, such as the rehabilitation and reuse of Lyman Mill in North Providence for 109 apartments.
Save the Dates!
Save the dates for RI Heritage Month's Virtual Celebration! Every Saturday in September, RIHPHC will host a weekly 60-minute virtual celebration on our YouTube channel, featuring "Heritage Highlights" from different cultural performance groups, heritage organizations, and hands-on activities like cooking and dance demonstrations. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, and we hope you will join us!
Have you seen our new website? www.preservation.ri.gov
Huzzah! Rhode Island Prepares to Observe the USA's 250th
On June 14, Governor Daniel McKee signed legislation to create the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial (RI 250th) Commission to assist in the observance of the Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution. RIHPHC's executive director will serve as Vice-Chair of the 30-member group.
June's Heritage Happenings
RIHPHC's calendar of heritage events showcases Rhode Island's diverse communities:
 

Have an upcoming event to share? Contact Donna Alqassar, Heritage Coordinator. For the latest listings, follow @rihphc_heritage on Instagram.
Old State House Report
The exterior restoration of the Old State House continues. Recent activities include:

  • installing the last of the restored windows and restored basement doors
  • restoring the brownstone door surround at the Parade Ground entrance

The project is on the home stretch towards completion this summer.
Tools of the trade: the mason is carefully cutting back damaged brownstone and patching with Jahn mortar that will match the color and texture of the original stone.
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
A restored and painted basement door.
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.

For the latest information about COVID-19, please visit the RI Department of Health website.
Rhode Island
Historical Preservation
& Heritage Commission

(401)222-2678