FW: Register now: RI Statewide Historic Preservation Conference

RIHPHC Bulletin 2009 RI Preservation Conference Register today! A special announcement from the RIHPHC April 2009 Dear Chelsea, The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission occasionally produces the RIHPHC Bulletin to highlight targeted preservation topics.  To follow preservation and smart growth activities in Rhode Island, we recommend subscribing to e-news from Preserve Rhode Island and Grow Smart Rhode Island.  Preservation Steps Out on April 25 The RIHPHC presents Preservation Steps Out--the 24th Annual Rhode Island Statewide Historic Preservation Conference--for Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the University of Rhode Island's Kingston Campus. Step out to explore the preservation of outdoor places in historic, inviting South County. Step out to learn about preserving and protecting historic farms, campuses, shorelines, and open space. Explore historic sites in South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Charlestown, Richmond, and Narragansett. Download a pdf copy of the program, or visit the conference website for more information. The day-long conference costs $40 and includes your choice of 25 programs, snacks, lunch, and a closing reception.  Early registration is open through April 17. After that, register on site on the day of the conference. Note that two tours are already SOLD OUT: Olde Kingstowne (B6) and Coastal Matunuck (B8).  Keynote Address and Discussion Farmer, writer, and New Hampshire's former Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets & Food, Steve Taylor will speak on Cows, Countryside, and Community: Can the Working Landscape of Rural New England Be Saved? Mr. Taylor likens New England's rural landscape to a three-legged stool--supported by forest, the built environment, and farmland. Development pressures, combined with low economic returns from farming, imperil acres of fields, meadows, and pastures that afford views, ambience, and a way of life that have long been taken for granted. Mr. Taylor will discuss what is working and what more can be done to preserve New England's rural landscape and the delicate balance of forest, farms, and development. The Plenary Discussion will draw upon the Keynote themes and relate them to local trends in agriculture, historic preservation, land conservation, and smart growth. Panelists include Ken Ayars (RI-DEM/Agriculture); Sheila Brush (Grow Smart Rhode Island), Edward F. Sanderson (RIHPHC), Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, and keynote speaker Steve Taylor. Get an education on campus... Choose from 12 workshops that look at preserving historic outdoor spaces, like farms, coastal areas, and campuses. Other sessions take on preservation in economic downturn and recovery; disaster planning for cultural institutions; energy efficiency for historic buildings; and more. ...or go to the beach Pick from 9 tours of the region, from coastal resorts to historic farms. Stroll through Kingston, Shannock, and Kenyon villages. Visit the seaside community of Narragansett Pier, the Narragansett Indian Reservation, and the mid-century modern neighborhood known as Biscuit City. Or pedal along the William C. O'Neill Bike Path as it winds through the villages of Peace Dale and Wakefield. Note that two tours are already SOLD OUT: Olde Kingstowne (B6) and Coastal Matunuck (B8).  See you on April 25 in Kingston. Please join us at URI's historic Kingston Campus on Saturday, April 25. Thanks to all of the conference sponsors, supporters, and venues.  For more information about the RI Statewide Preservation Conference and other programs of the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, please visit our website, www.preservation.ri.gov The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people. Quick Links About the RIHPHC Annual RI Statewide HP Conference RIHPHC website URI RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission The Old State House 150 Benefit St. Providence, RI 02903 (401)222-2678 www.preservation.ri.gov