The Bristol County Statehouse was constructed in 1816 as one of 5 locations for meetings of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Senate. This use continued until 1854 when the General Assembly decided to meet only in Providence or Newport. The building continued as the seat of the Bristol County Court which presided over cases in the building into the 1980s. From then until it was purchased by the non-profit Bristol Statehouse Foundation in 1997, the building was largely abandoned with only one room on the first floor still housing the office of the Bristol County Sheriff.
Bristol Statehouse Foundation
The Bristol Statehouse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Bristol Statehouse and its rich history. Established in 1997, the Foundation’s mission is to acquire, restore, and repurpose the Statehouse building located at 240 High Street on the Bristol Common. The Foundation purchased the building and its 200′ by 200′ site from the State of Rhode Island for $1.00. However, due to its deteriorated condition, $1.4 million has been spent to bring the building up to code and repurpose it for new uses. While significant progress has been made, further work is required to ensure the restoration and preservation efforts are accurate and complete.
Mission
The mission of the Bristol Statehouse Foundation embraces restoration, preservation and education. The restored and maintained building will serve as a site for the study, appreciation and enjoyment of our national, state and community heritage. Through exhibits, lectures, re-enactments and other programs, we will celebrate the essence of American history, our freedoms and our multi-cultural inheritance. We are committed to the youth of the town and region and specific activities will be dedicated towards bringing these values to them.
