New on the National Register
Woonsocket’s former First Universalist Church
From its Gothic Revival-style hall (1924) to its Modern Gothic worship space (1957), the former First Universalist Church represents evolving approaches to ecclesiastical architecture. The current owner, American-French Genealogical Society , recently completed a State Preservation Grant to improve ADA accessibility to spaces they share with the Veterans Memorial Museum RI . This historic building will remain a valuable community center for years to come.
Emergency Funding Available for Cultural Organizations
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is accepting grant applications for the NEH CARES: Cultural Organizations program. This emergency relief program is designed to assist institutions and organizations working in the humanities — including museums and historic sites — that have been affected by the pandemic. Over $25 million in funding is available to support a wide range of activities that emphasize retaining or hiring humanities staff. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov by May 11, 2020 . More information is available here .
Recent CLG Grant Awards
Six cities and towns have been awarded Certified Local Government (CLG) grants to support local historic preservation programs. Here’s the lineup:
Architectural/Engineering Review Assistance for Chepachet Village Program, Glocester: The Town will hire a firm specializing in historic preservation to prepare plans for all successful applicants to their NPS-funded Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program. $13,700.
William R. Watters and Arthur E. Platt Middle Schools National Register Nomination, East Providence:The City will hire a consultant to prepare a nomination for the former Watters (1957) and Platt (1922) Schools. The City aims to encourage renovation and reuse of these historic Riverside buildings. $10,000.
Citywide Interpretive Signage Plan, East Providence: The City will hire a consultant to develop an interpretive signage plan. $9,000.
Educational Video Program, Bristol: Bristol Historical & Preservation Society will write/produce short videos focusing on common issues faced by owners of historic houses. The goal is to develop a “library” of best practices under current HDC guidelines. $7,500.
Design of Coggeshall Farmhouse Drainage System, Bristol: Coggeshall Farm Museum will hire a consultant to design a re-grading plan and drainage system for the c. 1790 farmhouse. $6,000.
Newport National Historic Landmark District Amendment, Newport: Church Community Housing Corporation will hire a consultant to complete an amendment to the NHL District to recognize the archaeological site of the historic Newport Town Spring as a contributing resource and highlight its significance. $5,000.
Statewide Historic Preservation Conference and Scholarships, Providence: The grant will fund planning/coordination for the Conference and scholarships for up to 30 attendees from local HDCs. $11,500.
2020 RHODY AWARDS
FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Call for nominations
RIHPHC and Preserve Rhode Island seek your nominations for the 2020 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation . Submit a nomination online . Deadline is May 22, 2020.