Unearthing Rhode Island’s African Roots in a New Chapter of Historic Preservation

Rhode Island is breaking new ground in historic preservation by highlighting properties with significant African and African American histories. Led by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), this initiative is enhancing the National Register with sites that narrate the rich tapestry of African heritage in the state.

A focal point of this initiative is a Newport cemetery where both enslaved and free people of African descent are buried. Alongside this, a church built for Westerly’s African American community and homes in Providence that featured in the Green Book are gaining recognition, each telling a story of resilience and community. Despite Rhode Island's extensive list of 17,500 properties in the National Register, few have previously reflected the African American narrative. This initiative seeks to amend that oversight by integrating a broader spectrum of stories.

The journey began in 2014 with a partnership between RIHPHC and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. Their collaboration focused on the College Hill Historic District in Providence, where 75 properties associated with African heritage were documented. This work provided a more complete understanding of the district’s historical significance and set the stage for further exploration.

The initiative extends into the civil rights era, examining Rhode Island’s journey from its first laws on enslavement in 1652 through to school desegregation in the 1970s. Through educational outreach, exhibitions, and scholarly research, RIHPHC sheds light on key episodes and influential figures in Rhode Island’s pursuit of civil rights.

The momentum continues as RIHPHC plans to hire a preservation consultant later this year. This new phase will focus on documenting the African American civil rights theme in Rhode Island and nominating four additional properties to the National Register. Jeffrey D. Emidy, RIHPHC executive director, reflects on the progress, stating, “It is important that, as the state office for Historical Preservation and Heritage, we are undertaking these efforts to add the stories of people of African heritage to the National Register in Rhode Island.” For more information, visit Preservation.RI.Gov.