NORTH SMITHFIELD – The North Smithfield Heritage Association has been recognized for its efforts in historic preservation by the local chapter of a national organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing the country’s future through better education.
The Beacon Pole Hill Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present a Historic Preservation Recognition Award to the NSHA, an honor reserved for an individual or group that has done recent remarkable volunteer work at the community level. The award recognizes achievements in all areas of historic preservation including buildings, landmarks, monuments, cemeteries, historic districts, statues, museum collections, manuscripts, documents and archival materials, according to NSDAR.
“It also includes writing or compiling and publishing books on historic preservation projects, historical properties, genealogical and court house records, and photography collections; as well as compiling oral histories; and serving as historical guides, interpreters or docents,” a note on the award by the group states.
Founded in 1970, the NSHA is a fully volunteer, non-profit that strives to preserve and promote the culture, heritage and natural resources of North Smithfield. The organization manages several historic buildings in town including Heritage Hall, the Forestdale Schoolhouse and Memorial Town Hall; maintains cemeteries; gathers and preserves historically significant photographs, documents, and artifacts; and sponsors numerous community events and activities.
According to the NSHA website, the organization currently has more than 180 members, hailing from as far away as California.
The Lincoln-based Beacon Pole Hill Chapter NSDAR, meanwhile, was founded in Manville in 1932 by Susan Westcott Handy, her mother and 15 fellow “daughters.” Named for a Revolutionary War beacon built on one of the highest points in Cumberland, the local chapter of the national group is involved in many charitable activities, providing meals for the homeless and aid to women in shelters, sending out care packages to active military and honoring local veterans, and offering scholarships to local students.
NSHA President Richard Keene learned of the award, which also comes with a monetary gift, in a note from Chapter Regent Rebecca Fairbank.
“We would enjoy making a formal award presentation to the organization at one of your meetings,” Fairbank noted.
“We’re tremendously grateful that DAR recognizes the wonderful work of our dedicated volunteers,” said Keene.
Keene told NRI NOW that the chapter is expected to present the award an NSHA Board of Director’s meeting in either November or December.
