East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society

East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society

                                                                                                                Est. 1967

 

110 King Street - Headquarters of the EGHPS

Our headquarters: the Old Kent County Jail, 110 King St., East Greenwich
 
When the Colonel Micah Whitmarsh House, the Brick House, at 294 Main Street, East Greenwich, was to be razed to make way for a parking lot, a number of the townsfolk foresaw what the future could hold. Already the Old Town Hall had disappeared and a number of lovely old houses had been demolished to make way for nondescript purposes. The whole character of the town was going to change if this were allowed to continue.  
  In 1967 the East Greenwich Preservation Society was formed, primarily to acquire and save the Brick House. The building was refurbished, financed with money obtained from dues, donations, grants and bank loans, and became a working asset of the town. 
    In 1969 the “Old Kent County Jail” at 110 King Street was scheduled to be torn down or moved to change the traffic pattern on Water Street. The Society rallied in support of the Jail, purchased the structure and it remains on its original site as the headquarters of the East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society.  
 
 

Your membership and participation are the most
important parts of our organization! Join Today!

 

 

Ongoing Projects

  • Encouraging the protection and preservation of buildings, neighborhoods, documents, photographs and items of historic significance.
  • Monthly programs which are open and free to the public.
  • Continued restoration of the Old Jail.
  • Sponsoring programs that foster community growth.
  • Publishing The Packet, a newsletter with in-depth history of the Town.
  • Participating in educational and civic events.

 

Help Protect and Preserve the History of
East Greenwich, Rhode Island!

 
November 12
EGHPS November Meeting and Potluck
Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Origins Chef Jack Chiaro, a professor at Johnson & Wales University will present the origins of well-loved traditional Thanksgiving and Holiday ...
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December 1
Children’s Victorian Christmas Tea Party
Fun afternoon with Santa, special doll guests and tea party treats. Age 12 and under. We encourage all attending to dress for the occasion and bring ...
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Fun Facts
“Wedding Dress” was taken from a fragment of handwoven linen printed in brown for a bride’s wedding dress. A small piece of the calico was saved by a descendent of the bride (Mrs. Sybil Brown). It was printed in East Greenwich, circa 1789, by Herman Van Duesen.
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General Lafayette visited often at the Varnum House. He and General Varnum were very good friends. The northeast bedroom in the house is still called the Lafayette Room.
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