Surveying History in Coventry's Mill Villages
Published on Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Coventry Makes Plans for Future of Mill Villages
(Coventry, RI) – The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) and the Town of Coventry’s Historic Preservation Commission will present findings from a recent survey of both Arkwright and Harris mill villages. A public presentation will take place on August 20, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Coventry Town Hall Council Chamber, located at 1670 Flat River Road, Coventry.
After an intensive survey of its past, Coventry is thinking about the future of these two historic mill villages. The grant-funded study identified historic buildings and other historic resources within the two villages. Now, the town is ready to share survey findings, as well as recommendations for future preservation projects.
Alex Berardo, Principal Planner for the Town of Coventry, will facilitate the conversation and connect the survey project to local planning goals. Berardo will be joined by David Taylor, the historic preservation consultant who conducted the survey and provided recommendations; and Sarah Zurier, Architectural Historian, and Donna Alqassar, Grants Manager, both with the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission.
The survey of Arkwright and Harris was funded by a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant awarded by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission to the Town of Coventry. The Certified Local Government program encourages governmental partnerships, provides training and technical assistance, and supports preservation of historic resources at the local level and awards funding on an annual basis. CLG grant funding comes from the federal Historic Preservation Fund, which is administered by the National Park Service, US Department of the Interior.
Ample time will be allowed for members of the public to ask questions and provide comments. Light refreshments will also be provided. For further information, contact Alex Berardo (aberardo@coventryri.gov).
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About Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC / RI State Preservation Office) is the state agency that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, landscapes, and archaeological sites. As the state office for historic preservation, the RIHPHC is responsible for reviewing and submitting Rhode Island nominations to the National Register. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people.
About Coventry Historic Preservation Commission
The Coventry Historic Preservation Commission is a municipal board that serves as the Town of Coventry’s historic district commission, which provides the community its Certified Local Government status. In addition to its standard duties under the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, the CHPC pursues educational programs and collaborates with other organizations to raise public awareness of Coventry’s unique historical assets.