Interview with Bailey Hall

From Louisiana, Bailey is joining the Preserve Rhode Island team as the Preservation Programs Manager. She earned a Bachelor's in Cultural Resource Management and Public History from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2018, followed by a Master's degree in History in 2020. For nearly a decade, she has worked alongside preservation professionals in education, advocacy, and historic preservation programs. Most recently, Bailey served as Louisiana's National Register Coordinator where she managed the nomination and documentation of historic properties across the state for nearly four years. She is excited to bring her experience and passion for preservation to Rhode Island and to support the stewardship of the state's historic places.

1. How did you get into the field of preservation?

I grew up visiting museums and cemeteries with my grandfather, which sparked a love of history at an early age. That passion and curiosity evolved into work in museums and archives before leading me to historic building preservation. I became fascinated by the stories that historic buildings tell and the opportunity to help ensure those stories continue while giving these places new life and relevance for future generations.

2. What do you think is the most pressing concern for preservation back home in Louisiana?

Education and investment. Preservation is often misunderstood as simply saving old buildings, but it's really about strengthening communities and making smart use of the resources we already have. Helping people understand how preservation can support economic development, housing, sustainability, and community identity is critical. At the same time, we need continued investment in our historic built environment to ensure these places remain viable for future generations.

3. How does the architecture in Rhode Island compare to Louisiana?

Louisiana has a rich coastal vernacular architecture that reflects its climate, culture, and history, and Rhode Island has its own distinct variation of that relationship with the coast. One of the biggest differences I've noticed is the prevalence of the Stick Style, Shingle Style, and Victorian-era architecture throughout Rhode Island. There's also a difference in scale and density. While Louisiana has areas like New Orleans with grand historic homes and neighborhoods, much of the state is characterized by more modest residential architecture representing a wide variety of styles.

4. What is a project you have worked on that you are particularly proud of?

There are too many to count. While every preservation project is meaningful in its own way, the most rewarding work for me has always been collaborative. Whether working with students new to the fields, seasoned professionals, or local communities, each project benefits from different perspectives and experiences. Bringing those viewpoints together often leads to more thoughtful preservation solutions and creates lasting impacts for both the places we preserve, and the people connected to them.

5. Where do you see the field evolving in the coming years?

I see preservation becoming increasingly integrated into conversations about housing, sustainability, climate resilience, and community development. Historic preservation is no longer just about protecting individual buildings; it's about finding ways to adapt and reuse existing places to meet contemporary needs while maintaining a sense of identity and connection to the past. As communities face growing environmental and economic challenges, preservation will continue to demonstrate its value as a tool for building stronger, more resilient communities.