Providence Preservation Society

Providence Preservation Society. The Providence Preservation Society was founded in 1956 by a group of concerned citizens, including John Nicholas Brown II, Malcolm Greene Chace, and Princeton University-educated Norman Isham, to protect and preserve the historic architecture and character of Providence, Rhode Island. The organization's efforts have been instrumental in saving numerous historic buildings and districts, including the College Hill Historic District, Federal Hill Historic District, and Armory District. The society has worked closely with other preservation organizations, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Newport County, to promote historic preservation and education.

● History

The Providence Preservation Society was established during a time of significant urban renewal and development in Providence, Rhode Island, with the goal of preserving the city's historic architecture and character. The society's early efforts were influenced by the work of Jane Jacobs, William Whyte, and other urban planners and preservationists, who advocated for the importance of preserving historic neighborhoods and buildings. The society has also been involved in the preservation of historic buildings and districts in nearby cities, including Newport, Rhode Island, Bristol, Rhode Island, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in collaboration with organizations such as the Newport Restoration Foundation, Bristol Historical Society, and Pawtucket Arts District. The society's work has been recognized by the National Park Service, Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office, and other organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the National Endowment for the Arts.

● Mission and Activities

The Providence Preservation Society is dedicated to protecting and preserving the historic architecture and character of Providence, Rhode Island, through a variety of activities, including advocacy, education, and community outreach. The society works closely with local government agencies, such as the City of Providence, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office, to promote historic preservation and ensure that development projects are sensitive to the city's historic character. The society also partners with other organizations, including the Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence Foundation, and Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, to promote historic preservation and education, and to support the development of historic districts, such as the Downcity Historic District and Jewelry District. The society's activities are guided by the principles of the National Historic Preservation Act, Rhode Island Historic Preservation Act, and other laws and regulations, including the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the Community Development Block Grant program.

● Historic Districts

The Providence Preservation Society has been instrumental in the designation and preservation of several historic districts in Providence, Rhode Island, including the College Hill Historic District, Federal Hill Historic District, and Armory District. These districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are protected by local historic district ordinances, which are enforced by the City of Providence and the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office. The society has also worked to preserve historic districts in nearby cities, including the Newport Historic District and Bristol Historic District, in collaboration with organizations such as the Newport Restoration Foundation and Bristol Historical Society. The society's efforts have been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Institute of Architects, and other organizations, including the National Park Service and the Rhode Island Historical Society.

● Notable Preservation Efforts

The Providence Preservation Society has been involved in numerous notable preservation efforts, including the preservation of the Old State House, Providence City Hall, and Trinity Repertory Company. The society has also worked to preserve historic buildings and districts, such as the Industrial National Bank Building and Union Station, in collaboration with organizations such as the Rhode Island Historical Society and Providence Foundation. The society's efforts have been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, National Park Service, and other organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The society has also partnered with other organizations, including the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy and Jewelry District, to promote historic preservation and education, and to support the development of historic districts.

● Organization and Membership

The Providence Preservation Society is a non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from local preservation organizations, such as the Rhode Island Historical Society and Newport Restoration Foundation. The society has a diverse membership, including individuals, businesses, and organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Providence Foundation. The society's members are actively involved in the organization's activities, including advocacy, education, and community outreach, and participate in events, such as the Providence Preservation Society's Annual Meeting and Rhode Island Historic Preservation Conference. The society also partners with other organizations, including the National Park Service, Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office, and Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, to promote historic preservation and education, and to support the development of historic districts. Category:Historic preservation