Warren Heritage Foundation

05/27/2026

🦉 Historic Warren: Salisbury-Johnson House, 43 Miller Street, Warren, RI, 1823

One of the great Federal style homes in the charming downtown of Warren, Rhode Island, the Salisbury-Johnson House at 43 Miller Street features many of the hallmarks of the prominent architectural style. The main body of the house was constructed by 1823 after Theophilus Salisbury (1781-1835) purchased the house lot at the corner of Union Street, possibly being moved from another site to the present location at this time.

The two-story, five-bay façade is detailed by quoined corners and an exceptional center entrance with sidelights and large, elliptical blind fan carved from a single piece of wood. After later owners, the property was purchased by Rodolphus B. Johnson (1816-1884), a wealthy shipping agent who owned whaling ships and ran a wharf at the foot of Johnson Street nearby.

- Buildings of New England

05/19/2026

🦉 Historic Warren: Warren Baptist Church, 407 Main Street, Warren, RI, 1844

The Warren Baptist Church on Main Street in Warren, Rhode Island, is a landmark example of an ecclesiastical building in the Gothic Revival style completed in stone. Like many communities in Rhode Island, Baptists in Warren, were the first and largest denomination in the community, dating back to the 18th century. The congregation’s first purpose-built church was constructed in 1764 and was burned by the British in 1778 as they left Warren. Its replacement (1784) was demolished for the present building sixty years later.

Interestingly, this site is significant additionally as the site of the founding of Brown University. as when Reverend James Manning was called in 1764 to take over the congregation and its new church building, he did so with the proviso that he could open a school for the training of Baptist ministers because all existing colonial colleges at the time provided for training only in the Congregational and Episcopal ministries. The school was located behind the present location of the church and it spent its first four years here in Warren, holding its first commencement in that church until the new school (and Reverend Manning as president) were lured to Providence, where Brown University has remained ever since.

The present Warren Baptist Church was built in 1844 and was designed by famed Rhode Island architect, Russell Warren, who is best-known for his work in the Federal and Greek Revival styles, but here shows his expertise and skill in the Gothic mode. The building is notable for its lancet-arched windows and belfry with narrow lancet arched louvered windows set below the clock faces set in triangular trefoil tracery. The congregation also maintains Tiffany windows donated by members of the church.

- Buildings of New England

05/03/2026

Did you get your johnnycakes today?

Inform WarrenWarren Preservation SocietyDiscover Warren

04/25/2026

In case you missed today's Liberty Tree dedication, you can watch Julie Blount and Otis Read sing an original piece specifically written for this event by Elwood Donnelly

WHAT’S UP WARREN, RI: the warren calendar
Discover Warren
Warren Preservation Society
Inform Warren

04/23/2026

Have a look around: Providence around 1905. That's me in the suspenders down there, flying my drone, like usual to get this shot..........

Pulling your leg of course. Loving this presentation. This scene was created using old still images. I hope you enjoy my artwork. I'm having a blast over here. Stay tuned for more!

04/19/2026

Mark your calendars and celebrate spring in Warren.

Gather your friends, enjoy a great meal, discover beautiful art, live music, and a few unexpected treasures tucked around every corner. Warren always has something waiting, whether it is for you or someone special.

12/21/2025

Thank you to everyone who helped make 2025 such a meaningful and successful year. We are deeply grateful for the incredible supporters who care so passionately about preserving Warren’s historic properties for future generations. Your dedication ensures that the stories and spirit of our past continue to live on. We truly could not move forward without honoring where we’ve been. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a hopeful, prosperous 2026.

Read December's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/cd3101b64032/happy-holidays-2025

10/24/2025

Read the latest newsletter. If you're not on our subscriber list - why not? You're missing out. This month see the photos of the 11th annual gala.

https://mailchi.mp/62ba45747878/warrens-gateway-updates-9168540

09/22/2025

W

This month’s RI Gem is a very unique one—Washington Lodge No. 3 in the town of Warren. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Worshipful Brother Steve Curria, the lodge's historian and a four-time Past Master, who shared the incredible history, vibrant culture and unveiled the mysteries of this lodge. Read the full story: https://rimasons.org/freemasonry-community-rhode-island/masonic-news/59-the-anchor/417-ocean-state-gems-washington-lodge-no-3
Interested in Freemasonry? https://rimasons.org ?src=ins417