The Independent Man atop the State House

Welcome

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people.

Our state's historic buildings are an important resource for the present and future of Rhode Island. Old buildings provide needed housing and industrial and commercial space. They serve as cultural centers and as educational resources. The state's historic properties are major attractions for Rhode Island's billion-dollar tourism industry.

This site can answer some of your questions about historic buildings, preservation, archaeology, and heritage programs in the State of Rhode Island. If you have further questions, please contact us.

Old State House
The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is headquartered in the Old State House in Providence

Heritage Happenings

Cranberry Thanksgiving 2024

Check out October's Heritage Happenings.

October is R.I. Archaeology Month

Brown University student archaeologists

Arch-tober is here! 
Check out the event calendar.

Press Releases All press releases

Diversifying Historic Preservation in Rhode Island

(Providence, R.I.) A Newport cemetery that contains the burials of enslaved and free people of African heritage, a church built for Westerly’s African American community, Providence homes advertising tourist accommodations in the Green Book—these Rhode Island sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places for their significant African and African American history. ...

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