Historic Home Ownership
Dear Historic Home Owner,
Making informed decisions will maintain the historic integrity of your home, result in greater aesthetics, and protect your investment. Whether or not you’re part of the local Wickford Historic District, the information and links provided here can help guide you in the stewardship of your historic home.
Proper research before undertaking a project will go a long way toward achieving a successful result. If your property is located in the Wickford Historic District, cooperative planning with the North Kingstown Historic District Commission is the first step, so please familiarize yourself with this helpful group.
Some other terrific resources include include The Easy Guide to Rehab Standards (pdf), a publication prepared by the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission for local historic district commissions and for property owners, and, The Secretary of the Interior’s Standard for the Treatment of Historic Properties. In addition, you’ll find helpful resources right here on Histwick’s website.
Should you have questions about the local historic district or the Historic District Commission, the Planning Department can provide further information. Call (401) 268-1574 or email [email protected]
Enjoy your historic home. It makes our community shine!
Jim Shriner, Chairman
North KingstownHistoric District Commission
USEFUL LINKS
As an owner of a historic home, you’ll find plenty of useful information online. These are web sites that HistWick located that can help to guide and inspire you along the path of proper stewardship.
Government Sites
Non-Profits
Nonprofits have played a key role in historic preservation in Rhode Island. Explore their websites and you’ll find a wealth of materials that will not only be helpful to you in your role as a historic home owner but will also expand your knowledge of historic preservation and preservation resources.
Newport Restoration Foundations’ Historic Homeowners’ Toolkit
Your House's History
If you live in Historic Wickford Village, there is a good chance that the history of your house has been documented by local historian and author Tim Cranston in his book series Walking in Olde Wickford .
Or if you like an adventure, do your own historical research using Newport Restoration Foundations’ How To Research Your House
Preservation Marketplace
Finding the right materials and products for your project can take time but it’s time well spent. Here are two places to start:
- The Preservation Marketplace at HistoricPreservation.com
- Yankee Magazine’s list of Architectural Salvage Resources
- Bob Vila’s List of Great Places to Buy Architectural Salvage
Historic Home Tax Credit
Historic Sites & Organizations Around RI
Rhode Island packs a treasure trove of historic sites for its diminutive size. Sometimes the best thing to do is a little exploring in your own backyard! Need ideas?
Just browse the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission’s list of Historic Sites Open to the Public
And don’t forget to check out the Secretary of State’s list of Historical and Preservation Societies.