News

RIHPHC is hiring

RIHPHC seeks candidates for two positions. The Senior Architectural Historian/Historian works primarily on the National Register program, and the Senior Historian/Public Information Coordinator is focused on communications and public programs. The application period closes on April 25, 2024. Visit State of Rhode Island Career Pages for detailed job descriptions and application instructions. (3/27/24) 

Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks in April and May

Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Awareness and Preservation Weeks (Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks) will feature dozens of free programs in April and May. Rhode Islanders of all ages are invited to participate in tours, clean-ups, hikes, talks, and other programs at and about historic cemeteries throughout the state. Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks is organized by the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries and RIHPHC in collaboration with many individual and organizational partners. Check out the event schedule with more to come. (3/14/24)

R.I. African American Civil Rights history initiative rolls on!

RIHPHC was recently awarded an Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Park Service to fund a Multiple Property Documentation Form and National Register nominations for four properties related to the theme of African American Civil Rights.

Work is also underway to nominate the former home of John Carter Minkins to the National Register. A professional journalist, Minkins (1869-1959) is recognized as the first person of African Heritage to lead a mainstream white newspaper in the U.S. He was also one of Rhode Island's leading civil rights advocates, wielding the power of the press and his oratorical skills to call out and fight racial injustice. (2/19/24)

Preservation planning grants awarded (2023) and available (2024)

RIHPHC has awarded six Certified Local Government (CLG) grants to support local preservation programs:

• COVENTRY: $10,000 to to survey the historic villages of Arkwright, Harris and Greene
• CRANSTON/Preserve Rhode Island: $16,500 to research/prepare a National Register Historic District Nomination for Garden City
• CUMBERLAND: $12,000 to research/prepare a National Register Historic District Nomination for Grant’s Mill
• EAST PROVIDENCE: $8000 to complete a condition assessment and preservation plan for the Newman Cemetery
• PROVIDENCE/Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy: $7,500 to research/prepare a National Register Historic District Nomination for Neutaconkanut Hill Park
• SOUTH KINGSTOWN: $20,000 to survey/resurvey areas of Matunuck that are threatened by coastal flooding and sea level rise.

Learn more about the 2024 CLG grant round. Applications are due by March 15, 2024. (1/18/24)