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Preserve Rhode Island

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Preserve Rhode Island

Statewide advocate for Rhode Island's historic places

The only statewide advocate for Rhode Island's historic places and owner of several historic properties including Lippitt House in Providence, Philip Walker House in East Providence, and the Jeremiah Dexter House in Providence.

05/12/2026

We were thrilled to welcome guests this past Saturday to our headquarters, Jeremiah Dexter House in Providence. Our program, a walkabout in partnership with the National Park Service (as part of the Washington-Rochambeau trail), led us around the neighborhood to discuss the French encampment on the Dexter property.

At the end of the Revolutionary War, French soldiers led by General Rochambeau camped at the Dexters' farm as they awaited transport back home. This notable event in Rhode Island's contributions to the Revolutionary War in memorialized at Rochambeau Square (at the corner of Summit Ave and Brewster St). This modest memorial was once planned to be part of a 30-acre park that unfortunately never came to fruition.

This program was held in celebration of our Nation's 250th anniversary.

First two photos by Jim Hendrickson.

05/08/2026

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) met yesterday to discuss the proposed painting of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This proposal does not align with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It also, simply put, would worsen the appearance of a building whose architectural significance was made clear by the NCPC when they wrote in the building's 1972 National Register nomination that the Eisenhower building "must be preserved." We await the decision of the NCPC, which has been deferred for further study.

Preserve RI submitted a public comment in opposition of this proposed painting. To read what we wrote, please click the link in our bio.

Photo by Jeff Krause.

05/06/2026

Preserve Rhode Island, in cooperation with the East Providence 250th Celebration and the RI Department of State, hosted a Liberty Tree Planting Ceremony this past Sunday. Liberty Tree plantings have, and will be held, across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns to mark the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Guests were welcomed into Walker House, which is normally closed to the public, and had the opportunity to participate in activities provided by the East Providence Historical Society and the Wampanoag Women's Club. Our ceremony included a performance by the Thirteenth Continental Regiment, opening remarks by Secretary of State Gregg Amore, remarks by local elected officials, and a history of Walker House delivered by Ron Onorato.

This event was made possible with support from the RI250 Commission, the City Council of East Providence, and the EP250 Commission.

04/28/2026

Do you ever marvel the mills in Rhode Island, or pass by a historic building and wonder how this state has retained so much of its history? Not only is the Historic Tax Credit Program in Rhode Island a large contributor to our ability to save our state's iconic treasures, but it is also a proven driver of housing production. From 2013 to 2023, around 20% of all new housing (including 20% of all new affordable housing) came from the program. Right now, thanks to our joint advocacy with GrowSmartRI, legislation to improve this vital program has been filed at the State House.

Tell your local representative you want to see Rhode Island's history flourish with these improvements to the Historic Tax Credit. Click the link in bio to take action.

04/17/2026

We are excited to partner with the East Providence 250 Commission on this upcoming event.

On Sunday, May 3rd at the historic Philip Walker Homestead from 1:00-4:00PM, we will be hosting a ceremony to celebrate the planting of a Liberty Tree at the Walker Homestead. This initiative of RI's Department of State celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Featured at the event will be self-guided tours of Walker House (c. 1724), a rare opportunity as this property is typically closed to the public. Other activities include historically-inspired children’s games provided by the East Providence Historical Society and a flower/planting station run by the Wampanoag Women’s Club. Highlights of the ceremony will include opening remarks by Secretary Amore, remarks by dignitaries including Mayor Bob DaSilva, and a history of Walker House given by renowned historian Ronald Onorato. The ceremony will conclude with a performance by the 13th Regiment, which will include live musket fire.

Sunday, May 3rd from 1:00-4:00PM. Walker House is located at 432 Massasoit Ave, East Providence. Entry is free and no reservation is required. Limited parking will be available at the Massasoit Office Park (400 Massasoit Ave, East Providence), and free street parking is available along Massasoit Ave. and King Philip Rd.

04/08/2026

Do you know a person or project whose preservation achievement deserves to be applauded?

Help us recognize people who have made a difference in their community, and projects that inspire others to protect special places in Rhode Island. People or projects can only be considered for an award if they are nominated! Nominations must be for projects, programs, or activities in Rhode Island completed between January 1st, 2025, and June 1st, 2026.

Nominations are due by end of day Sunday, May 17th. Click the link in our bio to nominate.

04/01/2026

401Gives is not over yet! We still need your help - tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask for their support. From one end of the state to the other, Preserve RI is protecting historic buildings and unique places that shape the distinct character of cities and towns in Rhode Island.

Preserve RI relies on the generous support of people like you—around 74% of our operating budget comes from donations. Supporters like YOU keep our programs running. Show YOUR support today!

Click the link in our bio to donate. Be among the first to give at 4:01pm today and have your gift of $5 or more be matched by $25!

Photo: Our Preservation Coordinator, Zach Russell, in the field. Gifts like yours help us stay active statewide.

03/31/2026

401 Gives is today! We need your help - tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask for their support. From one end of the state to the other, Preserve RI is protecting historic buildings and unique places that shape the distinct character of cities and towns in Rhode Island.

Preserve RI relies on the generous support of people like you—around 74% of our funding for preservation programs comes from donations. Supporters like YOU keep our programs running. Show YOUR support today!

Click the link in our bio to donate. Be among the first to give at noon today and have your gift matched up to $500!

Photo: Our newest easement, Kinney Bungalow in Narragansett. Gifts like yours help up keep protect properties in perpetuity.

03/26/2026

Upcoming Event!

Preserve Rhode Island and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will be hosting a guided walk in Providence, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. We will be meeting at the Jeremiah Dexter House on North Main Street at 10 a.m. (free street parking is located nearby).

This rare look into Dexter House will discuss the Franco-American alliance during the War for Independence. Participants will explore a witness house from the American Revolution and walk up Camp Street to see a monument to French soldiers.

Dexter Farm served as a campsite for French General Rochambeau and his troops during the American Revolution. After helping George Washington defeat the British at Yorktown, General Rochambeau encamped his troops at Dexter Farm for three weeks while awaiting ships to transport them back to France. “Rochambeau” Avenue and “Camp” Street commemorate this historical event. Dexter House currently serves as Preserve RI’s headquarters and is generally not open to the public.

This walk is free and open to all. No registration is required. This event is presented in partnership with the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail.

03/11/2026

Preserve RI is excited to welcome five new members to our Board of Trustees. We will be profiling our newest Trustees throughout the first few months of 2026. We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Lane from Wickford and Kelly Taylor from Providence to Preserve RI. Learn more about them and their decision to join our board by clicking the link in our bio.

Address

957 N Main Street
Providence, RI
02904

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14012725101

Website

https://linktr.ee/preserverhodeisland

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