Hearthside - The House That Love Built

HEARTHSIDE WINS $51,500 GRANT AWARD FROM STATE

In December 2003, the R.I. Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission announced the slate of State Preservation Grant awards, worth a total of $1.5 million, for capital preservation work at 26 museums and cultural art centers from around the state. Hearthside was one of the award recipients, with a $51,500 grant going toward some major exterior work. The grant required matching funds from Friends of Hearthside and support for the project from the Town of Lincoln.

The RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission developed the State Preservation Grants program after the Preservation, Recreation, and Heritage Bond Issue was approved by the voters in 2002. The grants program provides $3 million to be awarded through competitive grant rounds both in 2003 and 2004 for the capital preservation of historic buildings. A total of 46 organizations applied for the funds in 2003 and the awards represent 14 different communities throughout the state.

For Hearthside, this grant will fund some critical repairs to the exterior, including all the chimneys, masonry, and window repair and glazing. It also allows for a structural engineer to conduct an in-depth inspection of the structure to identify any further repairs which may be necessary to halt the penetration of water into the house. Work on the project is expected to begin in the spring of 2004.

The State Preservation Grants program leverages additional funds, support local revitalization efforts, and directly support the construction industry. Most of all, these grants represent an investment in Heritage and Arts Tourism, and historic attractions are key to Rhode Island’s appeal to visitors.

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