Preserve Rhode Island

We were thrilled to welcome guests this past Saturday to our headquarters, Jeremiah Dexter House in Providence. Our program, a walkabout in partnership with the National Park Service (as part of the Washington-Rochambeau trail), led us around the neighborhood to discuss the French encampment on the Dexter property.

At the end of the Revolutionary War, French soldiers led by General Rochambeau camped at the Dexters' farm as they awaited transport back home. This notable event in Rhode Island's contributions to the Revolutionary War in memorialized at Rochambeau Square (at the corner of Summit Ave and Brewster St). This modest memorial was once planned to be part of a 30-acre park that unfortunately never came to fruition.

This program was held in celebration of our Nation's 250th anniversary.

First two photos by Jim Hendrickson.

Preserve Rhode Island, in cooperation with the East Providence 250th Celebration and the RI Department of State, hosted a Liberty Tree Planting Ceremony this past Sunday. Liberty Tree plantings have, and will be held, across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns to mark the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Guests were welcomed into Walker House, which is normally closed to the public, and had the opportunity to participate in activities provided by the East Providence Historical Society and the Wampanoag Women's Club. Our ceremony included a performance by the Thirteenth Continental Regiment, opening remarks by Secretary of State Gregg Amore, remarks by local elected officials, and a history of Walker House delivered by Ron Onorato.

This event was made possible with support from the RI250 Commission, the City Council of East Providence, and the EP250 Commission.

Do you know a person or project whose preservation achievement deserves to be applauded?

Help us recognize people who have made a difference in their community, and projects that inspire others to protect special places in Rhode Island. People or projects can only be considered for an award if they are nominated! Nominations must be for projects, programs, or activities in Rhode Island completed between January 1st, 2025, and June 1st, 2026.

Nominations are due by end of day Sunday, May 17th. Click the link in our bio to nominate.

Preserve RI is excited to welcome five new members to our Board of Trustees. We will be profiling our newest Trustees throughout the first few months of 2026. We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Lane from Wickford and Kelly Taylor from Providence to Preserve RI. Learn more about them and their decision to join our board by clicking the link in our bio.