Preservation Society Receives Grant to Study Historic Newport House

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Thursday, February 03, 2011

Michelle Nguyen, GoLocalProv Lifestyle Contributor

The Preservation Society of Newport County has recently received a $100,000 grant to conduct research on the condition of Hunter House, a national landmark and cherished historic site of the Newport community.

The grant was donated by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation of Newport and will be used to fund the necessary preparations for an Historic Structure Report. The report will document the Georgian Colonial house's history and existing condition, and will be used to guide future restoration efforts. Preservation architects Wank Adams Slavin Associates will lead the study.

Hunter House History

The Preservation Society has had deep ties with the building, beginning in 1945 when a group of concerned citizens joined together to form the Preservation Society in an effort to save the house from deconstruction. Prized for its carved interior paneling and molding, the house was restored, opened to the public, and named a National Historic Landmark in 1968. The house also exhibits exemplary collections of 18th century furniture and art.

The original building was completed circa 1748 for Colonial merchant Jonathan Nichols and was eventually sold in 1757 to Colonel Joseph Wanton, Jr. Wanton was responsible for expanding the house to its present size and appearance. It was finally sold to the house's namesake, William Hunter in 1805.

The Preservation Society of Newport County is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area's historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts.