Hearthside - The House That Love Built

LEGISLATIVE GRANT TO PROVIDE LIGHTING FOR HEARTHSIDE

Rep. William McManus stopped by Hearthside during a recent event to present  a check for $2,500 from the RI House of Representatives to Friends of Hearthside President Kathy Hartley and Treasurer Christine Stewart

Rep. William McManus recently presented the Friends of Hearthside with a check for $2,500 from the Rhode Island General Assembly. This legislative grant will be used to provide exterior lighting at the historic Hearthside Homestead on Great Road, as well as at the neighboring Hannaway Blacksmith Shop. Over the past six years, both historic sites have had an increasing amount of activity and events taking place due to the efforts of the volunteer organization, Friends of Hearthside. Currently no lighting exists at either site, making access to evening events difficult. With new lighting in place, these sites will not only provide increased safety for visitors, but each will also become much more visible as historic landmarks to the passing traffic traveling along Great Road each day.

“The historic Great Road holds some of the state’s most significant historic buildings, including the majestic landmark, Hearthside,” states Rep. McManus. “May is National Preservation Month and we have the opportunity to increase our awareness of our precious historic resources. I am pleased to be able to present this grant and highlight the importance of these two historic sites through the support of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.”

This legislative grant represents one of several that Friends of Hearthside has received through the sponsorship of Rep. McManus. Last year, funds were secured that provided for a handicap ramp at Hearthside. In previous years, grants were received for a reproduction of the original sign that hung outside the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, the development of this website for Hearthside, and funding of a portion of a feasibility study for the reuse of the Chase Farm House as a dairy farm museum.

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