Historic Linden Place in Bristol, RI, hosted the the Rhode Island State Government’s announcement of the latest State Cultural Facilities Grant and State Preservation Grant recipients. Among the $3.8 million awarded for awarded for capital preservation work at 33 museums, cultural art centers, and public historic sites, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum was awarded $43,450 to help pay for a major window restoration project that will not only be more aesthetically pleasing, but they will also help conserve energy, contribute towards collection preservation, and improve the Armory’s overall structural integrity.
Administered by the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and the R.I. State Council on the Arts, the grant programs require applicants to provide matching funds for their projects.
Governor Gina Raimondo forwarded her congratulations. “The arts and history are part of what makes Rhode Island special,” Governor Raimondo said. “They attract visitors to our state and contribute significantly to our economy. These capital improvement grants will create jobs, both during and after construction, and expand programming opportunities for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike, all of which contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our state.”
“Our cultural infrastructure is critically important to our state’s economy,” said Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the State Council on the Arts. “These museums, galleries and performance spaces serve Rhode Islanders, attract visitors to our state, and contribute to the local economy in many significant ways.”
“Rhode Island is recognized nationally as a leader in historic preservation and the arts,” said Edward F. Sanderson, Executive Director of the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, “These state grants are investments that build on our strengths.”
The Varnum Continentals deeply appreciate this investment in the Varnum Memorial Armory and can’t wait to get to work on this exciting and much-needed restoration project. We’ll post images as the work progresses so that everyone can watch the progress on this critical project.
Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
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. Visit www.preservation.ri.gov for more information.
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. Visit www.arts.ri.gov for more information.
