THE STATEWIDE ADVOCATE FOR HISTORIC PLACES
Around the Block e-News
January 2020
Preserve Rhode Island's
2019 Top Ten Successes
2019 was the midpoint of our Five Year Strategic Plan. With your help, we made significant progress on our strategic and organizational goals.
Steward
At PRI's headquarters, 1754 Dexter House, exterior repairs were completed in the Fall of 2019. Kudos and a heartfelt thank you to Abcore Restoration, who did a first class job and donated their labor to the project.
The Aquidneck Stone Wall Initiative, is a partnership between PRI and the Preservation Society of Newport County that is dedicated to restoring the historic character of the island at Simmons Farm and Norman Bird Sanctuary. Plans are underway to expand the initiative in 2020.
Protect
In March 2019, PRI and Blithewold, Inc. announced the transfer of ownership of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. Blithewold, Inc. is now the owner of the property and PRI holds a perpetual preservation and conservation easement ensuring its permanent protection.
In April of 2019, PRI and the Preservation Society of Pawtucket worked together to bring new life to the Joseph Spaulding House for permanent protection of the property through an historic preservation easement. The house was sold to preservation-minded buyers who are committed to protecting the house.
Advocate
5. Community Preservation Response (CPR)
In 2019, PRI's Board of Trustees adopted a policy to guide responses to local preservation issues. The policy will clarify PRI's response to preservation issues. Stay tuned for more information in 2020.
6. Historic Tax Credits
In 2019, PRI led various advocacy initiatives. Our collective preservation voices convinced the legislature to extend RI's Historic Tax Credit program for another year.
Engage
Lippitt House Museum expanded its outreach in 2019, offering self-guided tours in Spanish and participating in Museums for All. Last year Lippitt House welcomed more visitors and program attendees than previous years.
The 2019 Rhody Awards were held at Aldrich Mansion in Warwick Neck in October.
The 11th annual awards were a celebration of 10 exceptional awardees, people who really make preservation happen in this state.
Strengthen Finances
9. Financial Infrastructure
Non-profits like PRI are small businesses. Behind the scenes we reconfigured our financial infrastructure allowing us to work more efficiently and with more transparency.
10. Our Fabulous Members, Donors and Supporters
Through your generosity, we met our fundraising goals for 2019 and are ready to take on new preservation challenges in the year ahead. Thank you!
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Your support of PRI ensures that historic places remain vibrant contributors to our state’s quality of life.  
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