News Summary
The Rhode Island Secretary of State has introduced a revised plan for a new State History Center, proposing a $60.8 million project to better serve the state’s archival needs. The new plan aims to house the Rhode Island State Archives and historic treasures in a two-story facility on Smith Hill, providing enhanced public access to the state’s historical artifacts. This represents a significant downsizing from a previous proposal and includes relocations of archives to a URI library, along with additional funding requests for renovations and parking solutions.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Secretary of State, Gregg Amore, has put forth a revised plan for a new Rhode Island State History Center, proposing a downsized project estimated at $60.8 million to address the state’s archival needs. This new strategy aims to house the Rhode Island State Archives and other historic treasures in a more suitable facility.
Currently, the State Archives operates out of a leased space at 33 Broad St., Providence, which is considered too cramped to adequately serve its functions. The previous proposal for a comprehensive state archives and history center across from the State House estimated costs at $102 million, but the plan was rejected by state legislators despite backing from Governor Dan McKee.
Amore’s updated proposal includes plans for a two-story museum-style building to be located on Smith Hill, projected to cost around $45 million. The revised capital budget would cover fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and includes various public functions. Notably, the center is envisioned to feature an exhibit gallery dedicated to permanent displays of Rhode Island’s founding documents, along with spaces for rotating exhibits.
The feasibility study to support this revised proposal was conducted by LLB Architects, costing $500,000 and funded through RICAP coffers allocated for fiscal year 2025. The new capital project request consists of multiple essential features and benefits aimed at enriching public access to Rhode Island’s historical artifacts.
In addition to the new history center, significant changes are planned for the State Archives. Most of the archives will relocate to the University of Rhode Island’s Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Common in Kingston. This move requires an additional funding request of $15 million for renovations to accommodate the stacks and public reading room necessary for housing approximately 10 million historical items.
The new proposal also includes plans for a potential museum site on State Street, which presents logistical challenges as it would necessitate the elimination of 126 parking spaces. To manage this reduction in parking availability, the estimated cost for constructing a new parking garage is approximately $17,054,311.
Size-wise, the project’s scope has shrunk dramatically, with the overall square footage reducing from around 52,700 gross square feet to about 24,600 gross square feet. This space will house exhibition areas, reduced records storage, public amenities, and a gift shop on the first floor. The second floor will accommodate limited record storage and the Secretary of State’s executive office, which will be moved from the State House.
To manage the development and design of the new facility efficiently, the feasibility study suggests hiring a dedicated project director. If construction proceeds as anticipated, the museum could be ready for opening by 2030, with construction slated to commence in 2027.
Alongside the history center and archives, Amore’s budget proposal also includes $800,000 towards enhancing the state’s OpenGov portal, which facilitates public access to directories, meetings, and civic information.
As it stands, Rhode Island is the only New England state without a purpose-built archives facility and currently relies on a rented space costing $300,000 annually. Many items in the existing archives are inadequately housed due to the spatial limitations imposed by the current facility.
This latest proposal comes after the General Assembly previously voted against a $60 million bond measure, although it has allocated $500,000 to further studies and designs for new archival locations in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Firefighters Extinguish Blaze in Abandoned Providence Building
Mausoleum Hill Sessions: A Unique Concert Series in Providence
PCHC Announces Layoffs of Over 70 Employees Amid Financial Struggles
Remembering Avelino J. Rose: A Community Leader and War Hero
Bristol, Rhode Island, Unveils the State’s Hidden Gems
Providence Launches Inaugural Women’s Golf Team
Pioneering Feminist Barbara Balch Colt Passes Away
DOJ Sues Rhode Island Over Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
Legal Battle Over Stolen Shelby AC Cobra Entangles Crime Boss
Ongoing Legal Battle Over Stolen Shelby AC Cobra
Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current
- Providence Journal
- Turn to 10
- World Atlas
- Rhode Island Monthly
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Google Search: Rhode Island State Archives
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island State Archives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Rhode Island historical archives
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
