Thematic Studies

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission has prepared, participated in, or is engaged in several special studies that explore specific historic subjects in context. Look for additional content to come on community history, property types, and more. Many of these studies are drawn from National Register nominations and RIHPHC publications. 

An ongoing effort of the RIHPHC with other key partners, this multiphase project has already produced a survey report, exhibits, and lesson plans. The next phase will result in a statewide survey of additional sites and one nomination. See the project page for details.

African Americans in Newport: An Introduction to the Heritage of African Americans in Newport, Rhode Island 1700-1945 was published by RIHPHC and Rhode Island Black Heritage Society in 1998. 

This project began with statewide surveys of designed and vernacular landscapes, which were presented in a survey report. Published in 2001, Historic Landscapes of Rhode Island, shares Rhode Islanders' evolving concepts of and attitudes towards landscape and land use over three centuries. 

In 1993-95, RIHPHC completed a statewide survey of outdoor sculpture, with funding from Save Outdoor Sculpture! (SOS!), a project of the Smithsonian Institution and Heritage Preservation. The 1998 publication Outdoor Sculpture of Rhode Island contains an inventory of sculptures and well as a contextual essay. All surveyed sculptures were entered into the Smithsonian's Inventory of American Sculpture.