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Arial view of Providence | K. Ebner Creative

We can't wait, Providence! 

Get ready to experience the best opportunity to network, engage, debate, learn, and connect about the powerful role of preservation, in all of its remarkable facets, to create livable, vital communities across New England and beyond! We are so excited to gather in Rhode Island – a small state with BIG ideas and bold leadership – to talk about important issues and exciting new initiatives that redefine how we work, what we prioritize, and who gets to decide. Providence knows a thing or two about reinvention and whether you’re from Elmwood or Illinois, we’re sure you’ll make some great new friends, share in unexpected discoveries, and leave feeling energized about the potential of our strong and growing network to uplift each other and the communities we call home.

Megan Reel
Conference Coordinator
Historic New England

Role Call for Rhode Island

Discover the leading voices of the 2023 Summit, many hailing from Rhode Island communities. Our esteemed roster of Summit speakers, panelists, and moderators exemplifies the rich talent and ingenuity thriving within the Ocean State. Here, we introduce you to a select few of these visionary individuals:

Carla DeStefano, Executive Director, SWAP, Inc. (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property)

Marta V. Martínez, PhD

Christina H. Paxson, President, Brown University

Brett P. Smiley, Mayor of Providence, R.I.

Lorén M. Spears, Executive Director, Tomaquag Museum

Carrie Zaslow, Executive Director, Providence Revolving Fund

OUR VENUE
Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) Providence, R.I.

OUR RHODE ISLAND SITES
Arnold House, Casey Farm, Clemence Irons House, and Watson Farm

The VETS, Providence, R.I.

The VETS, Providence, R.I. | Image: K.Ebner Creative

On the National Register of Historic Places, The VETS is located on the revitalized Avenue of the Arts across from the Rhode Island State House. With just over 2,000 seats, it is acclaimed for its unique combination of size and intimacy. Since 1950, The VETS has held a unique place in the cultural life of Rhode Island as a performance venue for legendary artists, local performers, and community traditions. We're delighted to call The VETS our host venue for the 2023 Summit in Providence. Join us on November 2 and 3. 

Arnold House, Casey Farm, Watson Farm, and Clemence Irons House

Can't wait for the Summit? Come see us at any of our four exceptional Rhode Island sites, among which are two captivating coastal farms: Casey Farm in Saunderstown and Watson Farm in Jamestown. Completing the ensemble of Rhode Island properties are Arnold House in Lincoln and Clemence-Irons House in Johnston. These sites offer a diverse array of events, farmers markets, and engaging activities for everyone to delight in. Embark on a journey with us by planning your visit to a Historic New England site today! 

HOME TOWN HEROES

Without the amazing folks who keep us buzzing each day, we'd be quite lost! Let’s hear from two of our Rhode Island staffers about their affection for everything R.I. and the secret behind their daily hustle, in their own words of course.

Stay excited for more from our R.I. team in the upcoming updates, and don't forget to share your thoughts with us too on our social channels!

HNE: What do you love about R.I.? What is a must-see? Must do? Must ENJOY? Tell us everything. 

Jenn: In 2022, French baguettes were designated by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” I would like to similarly designate Aunt Carrie’s clam cakes in Narragansett and Allie’s Donuts in North Kingstown to this list. Quintessential R.I.  

Similarly, the Big Blue Bug needs a National Register nomination…pronto! Rhode Island’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, this Providence landmark is evocative of the state’s unique and quirky personality.  I-95 would not be the same without him!

I am so Rhode Island my aunt has a framed Benny’s paper bag in her living room. We are still NOT ok with it closing!

Where I am most likely to be found on a summer night: Drinking a Newport Creamery Awful Awful under the Garden City gazebo in Cranston. [Garden City is RI’s model post-war housing development…built 1947. Newport Creamery is one of the few original businesses still in operation!]

Did I mention….Del’s Lemonade World Headquarters is also located in Cranston??

Two words: PIZZA STRIPS. If you know, you know. And you better not heat them up.

By all means, let’s not forget Newport. Famous for its Gilded Age houses, the city also has one of the densest 18th-century neighborhoods in America. My recommendation: end the day at Brenton Point State Park. It’s free, the views are spectacular, there is usually a Del’s truck, and the kite-flying is bar-none.

HNE: What do you love about R.I.? What is a must-see? Must do? Must ENJOY? Tell us everything. 

Tony: We're going with lists. 

Tony’s top Five Rhode Island things List!
Foods you need to try.
1. Olneyville New York System-Hot Wieners
2. Bakery pizza (IYKYK)
3. Stuffies
4. Del’s frozen lemonade
5. Pt. Judith style calamari

Restaurants you need to go to
1. The Old Canteen-Federal Hill
2. George’s of Galilee-Narragansett
3. Twin Oaks-Cranston
4. O Dinis-East Providence
5. Spring House-Block Island

Places to grab a drink (or 2)
1. Hot Club, Providence
2. Patrick’s Pub, Providence
3. Buster Krab’s, Narragansett
4. Captain Seaweed's Pub, Providence
5. Ballard’s-Block Island

Historic buildings you need to see (not owned by Historic New England)
1. The Newport Tower
2. The Towers at Narragansett Pier
3. The Superman Building, Providence
4. Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown
5. Fort Adams, Newport

Open spaces you need to visit (not owned by Historic New England)
1. Scarborough State beach, Narragansett
2. Roger Williams Park and Zoo, Providence
3. Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
4. Colt State Park, Bristol
5. Narragansett Town Beach

November 2 and 3
The VETS, Providence, R.I. 

The annual Historic New England Summit presents two days of exciting conversations that explore how 21st-century challenges and opportunities are transforming the fields of historic preservation, architecture, urban planning, conservation, arts and culture, museum studies, collections management, public history, and education. The program includes keynote presentations by regional and national leaders, panel discussions, provocations, networking opportunities, and more.

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