State Preservation Grants

Check out the 2021 State Preservation Grant recipients.

Between 2002 and 2021, Rhode Island voters approved four bond issues to fund a historic preservation grant program operated by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission to fund capital preservation for renovation projects at public historic sites, museums, and cultural art centers located in historic structures in the State of Rhode Island.

The State Preservation Grants Program was created because state lawmakers and voters recognized that many significant properties controlled by public agencies and non-profit organizations need extensive repairs or restoration; that it is essential to preserve landmarks that embody our heritage; and that arts, culture, and civic organizations face unique challenges in updating their historic facilities for new audiences and programs. Preserving these particular landmarks—theatres, museums, concert halls, dance spaces, art centers, public historic sites—contributes to the quality of life in Rhode Island and insures that our arts, culture, and civic facilities continue to inspire new generations. Moreover, historic preservation creates jobs, stimulates tourism, educates us about the past, revitalizes our downtowns and neighborhoods, and combats sprawl in rural places. The State Preservation Grants Program is a matching grant program. It promotes careful planning for the restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of a variety of historic resources around the state. Through its matching requirements, the program stimulates broader support and participation in historic preservation projects statewide.

For general questions about State Preservation Grants, contact Donna Alqassar.