RIHPHC Bulletin
State Preservation Grants Update
RIHPHC is preparing for the 2021 State Preservation Grants (SPG) round to support capital preservation projects at Rhode Island museums, cultural art centers, and public historic sites, like past grant recipient Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport (pictured). Revisions to the Rules and Regulations will be made available for public comment later this summer, and we expect to release grant applications in fall 2021.

Pro tip! State Preservation Grants require matching funds. Visit our website for suggestions on other preservation grant sources. Note that the Champlin Foundation is accepting grant applications through July 1, 2021. Last year, Champlin awarded over $1.6 million for projects at Rhode Island historic sites, and funded activities such as roof replacement, window restoration, structural repairs, and ADA improvements. Check out their 2020 Annual Report for a full list of funded projects. Grants awarded by Champlin can be used to match funding received through the State Preservation Grants program.
Hear ye, hear ye!
Rhode Island and the Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution
WHEREAS, As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island played a leading role in the birth and history of the United States of America. . .

So begins the Joint Resolution passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly to create the 30-member Rhode Island Semiquincentennial (RI 250th) Commission to assist in the observance of the Semiquincentennial. The House and Senate each unanimously passed bills (H6002 and S810) to authorize the creation of a Semiquincentennial Commission. The bills will become law as soon as they are signed by Governor Daniel McKee.

RIHPHC, Rhode Island Department of State, America 250 Foundation, and a growing community of stakeholders began discussing how Rhode Island would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in early 2020. Many Rhode Island organizations are already developing and presenting programs for this rolling commemoration. The establishment of the RI 250th Commission will amplify individual programs and unite Rhode Island's efforts. Huzzah!

Recognize this plaque? It is posted on the Market House in Providence, near the site of Providence's own Tea Party in 1775.
RIHPHC Hosts Preservation Planning Discussions on June 2
Join RIHPHC Executive Director J. Paul Loether for an online discussion of Protecting Our Legacy of Buildings, Places, and Culture: An Historic Preservation Plan for Rhode Island (draft). This document is the historic preservation element of the State Guide Plan, Rhode Island’s centralized and integrated long-range plan. It describes the planning process for historical preservation and sets priorities, goals, policies, and strategies for putting the plan into action.

Two sessions are scheduled. Each link will take you directly to the Zoom meeting at the indicated times:


RIHPHC welcomes you to join the discussion and share your ideas.
Old State House Report
With warmer weather, the exterior restoration of the Old State House has picked up where it left off. Recent activities include:

  • Installing a new brownstone sill and quoins on one of the Benefit Street windows
  • Waterproofing the North Court and South Court Street window wells
  • Repairing and reinstalling basement doors.

We expect the project to wrap up early this summer.
March: damaged brownstone sill removed
April: new brownstone sill installed
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
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