“There may have been a time when preservation was about saving old buildings, but those days are gone. Preservation is in the business of saving communities and the values they embody.”
A Sense of Place
Friends of Historic Bristol recognizes Bristol as a quintessential New England waterfront town that boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Recognizing our town’s historic small-scale charm and character, we are committed to safeguarding our cultural, historical and architectural heritage as the drivers of Bristol’s economic vitality for future generations.
Bristol is a unique small town. Our town government’s number one stated goal is to “Respect the historic resources that link Bristol's present with Bristol's past and use these resources as guidelines for managing future growth.” Therefore, we support mindful development that enhances our small-town character and support expanding opportunities for small businesses.
We achieve our goals through programs that inform our citizens of opportunities to get involved, spread understanding of the workings of local government agencies, promote heritage tourism as an economic driver and initiate programs that spur economic vitality.
Our Vision
Our Vision for Bristol is to be an informed and inclusive community that preserves Bristol’s cultural assets and maximizes the quality of life for all citizens through:
Smart-Growth
Involved Citizenry
Economic Vitality
Caring Relationships
Government Accountability
Our Mission
Friends of Historic Bristol is a volunteer nonprofit organization that engages the community to enhance the quality of life and advance the vitality derived from Bristol’s cultural, historical and architectural heritage through initiatives and educational programs.
Initiatives
Work to create a collaboration of business owners, industry owners, civics groups and local government to develop proven, winning strategies and tools we can use to boost our local economy.
Celebrate our industrious working-class heritage through initiatives that honor it.
Initiate ideas that promote and support heritage tourism.
Inform our community of projects that jeopardize the integrity of our culture and heritage.
Alert the community with a Call to Action when our community assets are in danger.
Gather and provide data to determine economic impact of preserving our community’s heritage resources.
Promote the Smart Growth policies embodied in Bristol’s Comprehensive Plan that preserve the character and viability of our Town’s Historic District.
Our Progress
FHB ANNUAL MEETING, MARCH 9, 2020
Friends of Historic Bristol held its second Annual Meeting on March 9, 2020 at the organization’s offices, 495 Hope Street, Bristol. During the meeting, both the Report of the Secretary and the Report of the Chairman were received. The reports focus on the accomplishments of the nonprofit during 2019 and our plans for 2020 to promote FHB’s Mission, Vision, and Initiatives. The Report of the Secretary is here (opens a 4pp pdf in a new window). The Report of the Chairman is here (opens a 3pp pdf in a new window).
Join Us!
Make a Donation, or become a Member. Current members can change their level or extend their term on the Membership page.
Whether you live or work in Bristol, or just appreciate the unique character Bristol offers, your membership is needed to support our initiatives. Friends of Historic Bristol members share a vision of promoting smart growth that respects and protects the irreplaceable heritage that is uniquely Bristol’s while shaping the vision for Bristol’s future.
Benefits
Meet new friends and neighbors by becoming an active member while shaping Bristol’s future.
Stay informed with e-notifications about activities in the neighborhood, upcoming municipal and community events that effect the FHB mission, and notices of FHB events and activities.
Gain satisfaction in knowing that you are part of a team effort in building a brighter future.
Boards and Committees
Friends of Historic Bristol is incorporated in Rhode Island and is granted Internal Revenue Service 501c3 non-profit tax status.
Directors
Executive Committee
Ben Bergenholtz, Board Chair
Gary Warner, Vice Chair
Caroline Jacobus, Board Secretary
Berta Raposo, Treasurer
Board Members
Robert Jacobus
Advisory Council
Jane Mesagno
Steve DeLeo
Marianne Bergenholtz
Standing Committees
Community Development and Planning Committee
Membership Committee
Marketing & Communications Committee
Technology Committee
Fundraising Committee