Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is a state agency responsible for preserving and protecting the historic sites and cultural heritage of Rhode Island, in collaboration with organizations such as the National Park Service, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Preservation Society of Newport County. The commission works to identify, evaluate, and protect historic districts, landmarks, and archaeological sites throughout the state, including the Newport Historic District, College Hill Historic District, and Scituate Reservoir. In partnership with the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office, the commission aims to promote the preservation of historic buildings, museums, and cultural institutions, such as the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Newport Art Museum, and Museum of Work and Culture.

● Introduction

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission plays a crucial role in preserving the state's rich history and cultural heritage, working closely with organizations such as the American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians, and Society for Historical Archaeology. The commission's efforts focus on protecting and promoting the state's historic sites, including the Cliff Walk, The Breakers, and Belcourt Castle, which are also recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. By preserving these sites, the commission aims to educate the public about the state's history, including the American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Gilded Age, and promote tourism and economic development in Rhode Island, in partnership with the Rhode Island Tourism Division and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. The commission also collaborates with Brown University, University of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College to advance the field of historic preservation and cultural resource management.

● History

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission was established to address the growing need for historic preservation in Rhode Island, following the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Act. The commission's history is closely tied to the state's historic preservation movement, which gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s with the establishment of organizations such as the Newport Restoration Foundation and Preservation Society of Newport County. The commission has worked to protect and preserve the state's historic sites, including the Old Stone Bank, Providence Arcade, and Newport Mansions, which are also recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Throughout its history, the commission has collaborated with federal agencies, such as the National Park Service and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to advance the field of historic preservation and cultural resource management in Rhode Island and beyond, including the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission's mission is to preserve and protect the state's historic sites and cultural heritage for future generations, in partnership with organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services. The commission's objectives include identifying and evaluating historic sites and districts, such as the College Hill Historic District and Federal Hill Historic District, and providing technical assistance and grant funding to support historic preservation projects, including the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Grant Program. The commission also aims to promote public awareness and education about the importance of historic preservation, working with organizations such as the National Council on Public History and American Association for State and Local History. By achieving its objectives, the commission seeks to contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Rhode Island, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Commerce and Rhode Island Department of Tourism.

● Preservation_Efforts

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission's preservation efforts focus on protecting and preserving the state's historic sites and cultural heritage, including the Newport Historic District, Providence Historic District, and Woonsocket Historic District. The commission works to identify and evaluate historic sites and districts, and provides technical assistance and grant funding to support historic preservation projects, such as the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Grant Program and National Historic Preservation Fund. The commission also collaborates with federal agencies, such as the National Park Service and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to advance the field of historic preservation and cultural resource management in Rhode Island and beyond, including the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and International Council on Monuments and Sites. Additionally, the commission partners with non-profit organizations, such as the Preservation Society of Newport County and Newport Restoration Foundation, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage in Rhode Island.

● Historic_Sites_and_Districts

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is responsible for protecting and preserving numerous historic sites and districts throughout Rhode Island, including the Newport Historic District, College Hill Historic District, and Scituate Reservoir. The commission works to identify and evaluate historic sites and districts, and provides technical assistance and grant funding to support historic preservation projects, such as the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Grant Program and National Historic Preservation Fund. The commission also collaborates with federal agencies, such as the National Park Service and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to advance the field of historic preservation and cultural resource management in Rhode Island and beyond, including the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and International Council on Monuments and Sites. Some of the notable historic sites and districts in Rhode Island include the Cliff Walk, The Breakers, and Belcourt Castle, which are also recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Programs_and_Services

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission offers a range of programs and services to support historic preservation and cultural heritage in Rhode Island, including the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Grant Program and National Historic Preservation Fund. The commission provides technical assistance and grant funding to support historic preservation projects, and collaborates with federal agencies, such as the National Park Service and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to advance the field of historic preservation and cultural resource management in Rhode Island and beyond. The commission also offers public education and outreach programs to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage in Rhode Island, working with organizations such as the National Council on Public History and American Association for State and Local History. Additionally, the commission partners with non-profit organizations, such as the Preservation Society of Newport County and Newport Restoration Foundation, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage in Rhode Island, including the Newport Mansions and Rhode Island School of Design Museum.

Category:Historic preservation in Rhode Island