NORTH KINGSTOWN — The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission announced Friday the recipients of 20 State Preservation Grants worth a total of $1.04 million for capital preservation. The grant includes museums, public historic sites and arts and culture venues. Smith’s Castle was named as one of the recipients.
“This grant is a great way for museums to preserve lasting improvements on these old buildings and the items contained within,” said Sarah Zurier of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.
Smith’s Castle will receive $30,000 from the commission and will conduct fundraisers for an additional $15,000 to be used for repairs throughout the castle.
“We have a problem with moisture in the building. It’s coming from the basement and causing the environment inside the building to be very high in humidity and over the past few years mildew and mold has been on the artifacts,” said Neil Dunay of Smith’s Castle.
Dunay also said the furnace is between 20 and 30 years old and that there is a hole in the basement that is letting in moisture and cold air.
“The furnace hadn’t been cleaned in some time and a puff of smoke came from it causing soot to cover some of the items,” said Dunay.
To apply for the grant, Smith’s Castle had to obtain an estimate from a consultant for the needed repairs. According to the consultant, a new furnace will need to purchased, a dehumidifier will need to be used in the summer, a humidifier is needed in the winter and the hole in the basement has to be closed.
In addition, some excavation needs to be done around the perimeter of the building for drainage to prevent water from getting into the basement. The new furnace will be purchased soon but the commencement of excavation depends on the weather because it can’t be done when the ground is frozen.
Created in 1968, the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission is the state’s agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. |
