About Us

The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) was established in 1956 to respond to the proposed demolition of a number of 18th- and early 19th-century houses on College Hill. Unlike many historic preservation organizations which were formed to preserve a particular building, PPS has always been an advocate for neighborhood revitalization. From that small neighborhood group, PPS has grown into a multifaceted citywide preservation and planning organization.

Our mission is to improve Providence by advocating for historic preservation and the enhancement of the city’s unique character through thoughtful design and planning.

PPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit membership organization. Our advocacy work is founded on knowledge of design and planning, and relies on a vast network of relationships and robust communications. Members serve as volunteers, advisers, advocates, and connectors. As of 2018, we counted over 450 member households in Providence, throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, and beyond. People who love Providence’s outstanding architecture are drawn to support PPS, the only organization that advocates for its preservation and compatible new design.

We believe the historic fabric of our city is intrinsic to Providence’s special identity, and decisions made about the current built environment must respect and complement that identity. The core of this is stewardship. Our decisions should be considered in the context of the architectural legacy that we have inherited and the legacy we will leave for those in the future.