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Rhode Island

Image: 'Old stone Mill,' Newport, Rhode Island.  Though the origin and original use of this tower have long been disputed, it was probably built as a windmill in the 1600's by Benedict Arnold, whose grand home stood adjacent to it. 'In 1677 Arnold mentions "my stone built Wind Mill" in his will.' (from Wikipedia)  That Benedict Arnold was the great grandfather of the Traitor.  Printed from a glass negative, circa 1890,  Private collection​

Rhode Island Statewide and regional organizations

Select Rhode Island Counties, Cities and Towns

Newport County

Providence County

Washington County

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RHODE ISLAND STATEWIDE AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

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Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund

The Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund awards grants or loans on a competitive basis for improvements to our commercial districts. Funding is available for projects that improve the streetscape, such as enhanced sidewalks, new street furniture, new way-finding signage, upgraded building facades or improved street lighting. Projects can receive up to $300,000 in funding. Applicants must have matching funds of at least 30% of the total project cost, though matching funds can take multiple forms, including expenditure on direct construction costs or soft costs, real estate donated to the project, or federal or local grants.

[email protected]​
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the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people.
Our state's historic buildings are an important resource for the present and future of Rhode Island. Old buildings provide needed housing and industrial and commercial space. They serve as cultural centers and as educational resources. The state's historic properties are major attractions for Rhode Island's billion-dollar tourism industry.

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
Old State House
150 Benefit Street
Providence, RI, 02903
General office telephone: (401)222-2678 
Office fax: (401)222-2968 
TTY (Relay RI): (800)745-5555

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Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Officer

The offices of the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Officer​ (SHPO) are based in the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. 

Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Officer​
Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
Old State House
150 Benefit Street
Providence, RI, 02903
(401) 222-4130
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Preserve Rhode island

Promote the stewardship of Rhode Island's distinctive local character and vibrant communities. We envision:
  • Rhode Islanders appreciating the economic and social benefits of preserving historic structures and unique places;
  • Rhode Islanders living in vital cities, towns and villages where new growth and development complement historic centers;
  • Rhode Islanders advancing environmentally friendly choices, reusing old buildings and conserving the landscape; and
  • All of us leaving the legacy of an authentic and beautiful Rhode Island to future generations.
Preserve Rhode Island
957 North Main Street
Providence RI 02904
p. 401 272 5101
f. 401 270 1551 
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rhode island historical society

The Rhode Island Historical Society, believing that a sense of history is fundamental to understanding human experience, collects, preserves, and shares materials from Rhode Island’s past, so that present and future generations can comprehend more fully their predecessors, their communities, and themselves. Pursuing the highest standards of collection, preservation, presentation, and management, the Society encourages and assists people of all backgrounds and interests to learn more about Rhode Island’s varied history.

52 Power Street
Providence, RI 02906
Phone:(401) 273-7507 OR 401-331-8575?
401  331  8575 x129
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Select Rhode Island Counties, Cities And Towns

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Newport County

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Newport 

The City of newport historic district commission

In 1965, the City of Newport passed an ordinance establishing the Newport Historic District (NHD) and the Newport Historic District Commission (HDC). Since that time, the Newport City Council has designated numerous areas within the city boundaries as local historic district zones.
The establishment of local historic districts in Rhode Island is allowed by state statute (Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 45-24.1 - Historical Area Zoning). The goal of establishing local historic district zoning is to preserve the historic buildings and other significant resources that define and reflect elements of the City's history.
The historic resources found in local historic districts embody the traditional qualities and characteristics of a city or town, creating an attractive environment which is conducive to residential, commercial, and industrial uses as well as tourism and promotes the pleasure, education and welfare of the residents of the community.

​Newport Historic District Commission
City of Newport, RI 
43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
(401) 845-5300

The Preservation Society of Newport County

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island's largest cultural organization, preserves and protects the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. Its 11 historic properties and landscapes - seven of which are National Historic Landmarks - trace America's architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. In keeping with its mission, the Society strives to offer its members and the public a comprehensive view of each property's architecture, interiors, landscapes and social history.  

The Preservation Society of Newport County
424 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1000.

Newport Restoration Foundation

Founded in 1968 by Doris Duke, the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF), a non-profit institution, was formed with the express purpose of preserving, interpreting, and maintaining landscape and objects reflecting Aquidneck Island’s 18th- and 19th- century architectural culture.

NRF OFFICE51 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840
phone (401) 849-7300
fax (401) 849-0125

The newport historical society

Since 1854, the Newport Historical Society has collected and preserved the artifacts, photographs, documents, publications and genealogical records that relate to the history of Newport County, to make these materials readily available for both research and enjoyment, and to act as a resource center for the education of the public about the history of Newport County, so that knowledge of the past may contribute to a fuller understanding of the present.

Newport Historical Society Headquarters & Resource Center
82 Touro Street, Newport, RI 02840
Tel 401.846.0813
Fax 401.846.1853
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Providence County

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Pawtucket

Pawtucket historic district commission

On January 25, 1989, the Pawtucket City Council approved the appointment of the City’s first Historic District Commission.  The purpose of the Pawtucket Historic District Commission is to safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving individual structures and historic districts in the city that reflect the special elements of Pawtucket's cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history.  There are over 200 properties in the Local Historic District.
The Historic District Commission is responsible for adding property to the local historic district as well as reviewing and issuing certificates of appropriateness for properties already listed in the district.  Please refer to Section 410-30 of the Pawtucket Zoning Ordinance for more information or contact the Senior Planner at (401) 724-5200.

Pawtucket Historic District Commission
175 Main St #3
​Pawtucket, RI 02860
Phone:(401) 724-5200

Preservation society of pawtucket 

The Preservation Society of Pawtucket is a not-for-profit community organization devoted to identifying, promoting, and encouraging the preservation of noteworthy historical and architectural resources of Pawtucket, Rhode Island through education, advocacy, technical assistance, and support of economic development that is sensitive and consistent with our mission.

​67 Park Place,
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Phone:(401) 725-9581
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Providence

Providence Historic District Commission ​

The Providence Historic District Commission was created by in 1960 to protect the unique physical character, historic fabric and visual identity of the city. Providence's local historic districts are established as overlay zoning districts after extensive neighborhood consultation and education, and a public hearing and adoption by the City Council.
There are eight Local Historic Districts in Providence, containing a total of approximately 2,500 properties. 
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Providence Historic District Commission
Department of Planning & Development
444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A
Providence, RI 02903-3215
Fax 401.680.8492

providence preservation society

Preservation advocacy involves raising awareness of Providence's rich architectural history, helping to educate the public on the importance of saving historic resources, and exciting interest in the city's past.
PPS works with neighborhood groups, private citizens, and governmental agencies to offer guidance and preservation expertise on a variety of topics. PPS regularly receives requests for help with historical research, guidance in rehabbing historic properties, and assistance with community planning projects.
Providence Preservation Society
21 Meeting Street
Providence, RI 02903
ph 401-831-7440
fax 401-831-8583
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Washington County

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Westerly

westerly Historical Society

The mission of the Westerly Historical Society is to research, study, and preserve local history in our community.
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with a dedicated group of members andofficers. We own many historical artifacts and an extensive photographic collection. We present a monthly lecture series and issue a monthly newsletter containing scholarly research.

Westerly Historical Society
P.O. Box 91
Westerly, RI 02891