Preserve RI and The Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC)  have hired Transom Historic Preservation Consulting to complete five barn and outbuilding assessments in Middletown and Portsmouth. Michael Cuba of Transom HPC spent a week on the island conducting field visits at a variety of properties, both private and non-profit, to meet with property owners, collect measurements, take photographs and take notes. Preserve RI and PSNC were also out in the field visiting each property to connect Michael with owners, participate in evaluations, and expand their own knowledge of historic barn construction.

Through a narrative description, photographs and drawings, Michael will create a report for each property owner that includes a conditions assessment and prioritized and phased recommendations with cost estimates. Whether planning for basic maintenance or for a major rehabilitation project, these reports will provide guidance to property owners and support the preservation of these iconic agricultural buildings. 

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This pilot project is generously funded by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation.

In 2017, Preserve Rhode Island and the Preservation Society of Newport County commissioned a study of the economic impacts of historic preservation in Rhode Island. Conducted by PlaceEconomics, the study looks at four key area of preservation: heritage tourism, historic tax credits, quality of life and sustainability.

Released on March 21, 2018, the study's findings reinforce Preserve RI's long-held position on the significant role historic preservation plays in the state's economy. 

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A few highlights from the report:

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• 9.8 million heritage visitors come to Rhode Island each year and contribute nearly $1.4 billion to the state's economy

• 326 historic buildings have been rehabilitated in 26 of Rhode Island's 39 communities using state Historic Tax Credits

• 56% of Rhode Island's population growth since 2000 has occurred within local historic districts

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The study is funded by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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For more information visit www.preserveri.org/preservationstudy

In 2017, Preserve Rhode Island, in collaboration with The Preservation Society of Newport County, completed a project to identify, inventory, and prioritize historic properties that are on or adjacent to open space in Middletown, Portsmouth, and Newport. 

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Using existing open space and historic resource maps, PRI and PSNC identified a list of historic properties  through research and in-the-field surveys. The result of the project was a database that identifies more than 100 properties with various types of historic structures, including barns and stone walls.  

Those properties identified as having the highest historical significance and integrity, and that contribute to the historic and scenic quality of Aquidneck Island, are the focus of a continuing preservation initiative in 2018 described above.

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This project is supported by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation.

For centuries – before the telephone – artists painted masterpieces along the beach road to Sachuest Point on Aquidneck Island. Preserve Rhode Island partnered with the Preservation Society of Newport County and Aquidneck Land Trust to raise $1 million to bury utility lines from Second Beach to the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. In 2017, the final poles were removed and one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful cultural landscapes was restored. 

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Read the Providence Journal article about the completed project