Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission State Historic Preservation Plan, 2002

Section One: "Over the last forty years Rhode Islanders have made a significant investment of time, effort, and money in the preservation of historic buildings, areas, and archaeological sites. Individual property owners have purchased and restored historic houses. Investors in commercial properties have renovated and updated older buildings in our downtowns and industrial properties located throughout the state. State and federal agencies have rehabilitated historic buildings, both large and small, so that they continue to serve the people of Rhode Island. Local communities have developed their own preservation programs and spent scarce dollars on the restoration of important community-owned historic buildings. Colleges and universities have restored some of their important historic buildings; several have developed for teaching about archaeology and the preservation of historic resources. Religious congregations have supported important restorations of their historic houses of worship. Thousands of Rhode Islanders have toured historic buildings and areas in their own communities, have joined organizations that promote historic preservation, and have voted for bond issues which support historic preservation. Why? Rhode Islanders' interest in historic preservation and their commitment to its support stems from the belief that the quality of our environment has a direct impact on the quality of each individual's life - and our environment includes the buildings we live and work in, the roads and bridges we travel, the farms, villages, cities and suburbs which form the texture of our daily lives. Just as we work to insure that our natural environment is conserved, that the quality of our air and water is protected, we also work to insure that the best elements of our man-made environment are protected. Well preserved physical elements from our past - our historic buildings and areas - have important value for the future of Rhode Island, value which we can realize by planning to keep those important resources. What kinds of value are there in historic buildings and areas? Part of their value will put dollars in the pockets of Rhode Islanders and part of their value will be gained in improving the quality of life for all of us. If we plan for their future with care and an appreciation of their value, historic buildings and areas will produce an important dividend for the investment Rhode Islanders make in their preservation." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission State Historic Preservation Plan, 2002

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