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New State Preservation Plan released
Recently approved by the National Park Service, Saving for the Future: A Statewide Historic Preservation Plan for Rhode Island summarizes the state of historic preservation in Rhode Island and provides an outline of how we should best direct our preservation efforts over the next five years. It is designed for the people of Rhode Island, their state government officials, local planning agencies, and the National Park Service. The new document reflects a revision of earlier plans, insights from the RIHPHC's 2009 Preservation Is Local program, as well as feedback from the public. (11/20/12)

newport congregational church

Newport church named National Historic Landmark
The United Congregational Church in Newport was recently designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing it as one of the 2,527 places that possess exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Now known as the Newport Congregational Church, the building was recognized for its murals and opalescent stained glass windows executed by artist John La Farge between 1880 and 1881. The church has the only comprehensive interior designed by this celebrated artist and designer.  (10/19/12)
edwards hall mural restoration Celebrate the winners of the 2012 Rhody Awards
A URI building renovation that uncovered and restored lost WPA murals, a sea-battered lighthouse returned to glory off the coast of Little Compton, and a Warwick organization that rehabilitates historic houses to create residences for formerly homeless people—these are some of the dozen projects and people that will be honored at the fourth annual Rhode Island Preservation Celebration. Click here for the 2012 slate of Rhody Award winners. (10/4/12)
rosecliff

Tickets on sale for the Preservation Celebration & Rhody Awards
On Thursday, October 18, join Rhode Island's preservation community at Rosecliff in Newport to celebrate the people, projects, and places that make Rhode Island great. Preserve Rhode Island and the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission present the Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation as part of the statewide Preservation Celebration. (10/1/12)
weatherly Yacht Weatherly listed on National Register
The Newport-based 12-meter yacht Weatherly has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1958, Weatherly successfully defended the America's Cup in 1962. The yacht is signficant for its racing history, its exemplary design, and its wood-and-laminate construction. (9/12/12)
heritage fest

Travel the world in a day at the 35th Annual R.I. Heritage Day
Celebrate the 35th Annual Heritage Day Festival & RING Celebration of Diversity at the Roger Williams National Memorial 282 North Main Street in Providence on Saturday, September 22 from noon to dusk. Rhode Island’s rich cultural heritage will be on display with a wide array of music, dance, exhibits, and food. Don't miss it! (8/28/12)

ashley st central falls RIHPHC job posting: Architectural Historian
The RIHPHC is accepting applications for the position of Senior Architectural Historian – Senior Historian. The Senior Architectural Historian – Senior Historian performs studies and analyses data to identify and evaluate historically significant properties. He or she should possess a Graduate Degree in American architectural history or American history; and have previous experience working as an architectural historian or historian related to historic preservation. (8/22/12) [filled]
washington street Two buildings added to Downtown Providence Historic District
The Y.W.C.A. and the First Universalist Church have been added to the Downtown Providence Historic District. The Y.W.C.A. was built in 1905-06 to serve the needs of the city's single women--primarily students, teachers, shop clerks, and factory workers. The brownstone First Universalist Church was erected in 1872, when Weybosset Hill was a residential neighborhood. (8/7/12)
heaton and cowing mill Providence's Heaton & Cowing Mill listed on NR
A mill built in 1832 has been recognized for its important contribution to the history of industry. Located at 1115 Douglas Avenue in Providence, the Heaton & Cowing Mill was home to several textile companies and is currently undergoing rehabilitation for reuse as residential apartments. (7/9/12)
rumford rhody Rhody Award nominations due Friday, June 15
The Rhody Awards honor great preservation achievements, people who make a difference in their communities, and projects that inspire others to protect Rhode Island’s special places. Click here to learn more and download a nomination form. (6/1/12)
eisenhowerhouse

Updated rules for the use of Eisenhower House
The RIHPHC proposes amendments to the "Rules for the Use of Eisenhower House." The proposed amendments establish rental rates for 2012, 2013, and 2014. All interested parties are invited to submit written or oral comments concerning the proposed amended regulations by Friday, June 29, 2012 to Edward F. Sanderson, Executive Director, RIHPHC, 150 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903 or by email. Click on the following link for the Public Notice of Proposed Rule-Making/Amended Rules and Regulations Pertaining to use of Eisenhower House. More information about the property is available on the Eisenhower House website. (5/14/12)

gravestone

New regs on cemetery resources
The RIHPHC voted on May 9 to approve new state regulations that establish standards for registering and protecting historic cemeteries. The new regs were authorized by the General Assembly and endorsed by the R.I. Advisory Commission on Historic Cemeteries. They provide authoritative guidance to city and town officials about the kinds of information that are useful to document historic cemeteries and the review process to protect historic cemeteries and historic burials. The final regulations can be found on our Cemetery Resources page. (5/10/12)

gately building New National Register listings in Pawtucket and Providence
The Gately Building (1914) has been recognized for its importance to the history of Pawtucket's downtown development. The Providence Jewelry Manufacturing Historic District has been expanded to include more mid-century buildings. (5/3/12)
gate RIHPHC awards preservation grants for local communities
The R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission awarded five grants totaling about $47,300 to local historical preservation programs.  These grants will support a survey of streetscape features in Newport’s historic districts; a survey of historic properties in East Providence; revised Standards and Guidelines for Providence’s historic districts; plans and specifications for steeple repairs at the endangered Trinity United Methodist Church in Providence; and a brochure for historic districts in South Kingstown. (3/30/12)
historic cemetery

Comments requested on regs for historic cemeteries
The R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission has drafted state regulations to establish standards for registering and regulating historic cemeteries in the absence of a local ordinance (RIGL 23-18-11.2). This regulation addresses historic cemeteries that are clearly marked as well as unmarked ancient burials that may be discovered by accident. A public hearing on this regulation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11 AM at the RIHPHC office, 150 Benefit Street in Providence. All interested parties are invited to submit written or oral comments concerning the proposed regulations by Wednesday, April 25, 2012 to Edward F. Sanderson, Executive Director, RIHPHC, 150 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903 or by email. Click on the following link for the Public Notice of Proposed Rule-Making/Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Registration and Protection of Historic Cemeteries. (3/8/12)

spencer house West Warwick house listed on National Register
A historic house in the village of Phenix has been listed on the National Register for its contributions to the history of architecture and community development. The William B. Spencer House was built in 1869-70 for a local businessman and civic leader. The Italianate-style house combines stylish design, substantial construction, and a commanding site. (3/6/12)
arnold mills

Registration open: preservation conference on Saturday, April 21
Rhode Island's 27th Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference will explore "Heritage in America's Great Outdoors." This theme reflects the ongoing bid to create a new national park in the Blackstone River Valley and President Obama's new conservation and recreation initiative. Join us for 24 tours, talks, and presentations, plus opportunities to network. Visit the conference website to download a program. (2/28/12)

esten-bowen house

Burrillville farmhouse listed on National Register
A c. 1790 farmhouse in Burrillville has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Esten-Bowen House formed the core of a historic farm where several generations of the Esten family lived off the land. It is also notable for its mid-20th-century renovations in the "Early American" mode. (1/30/12)