PROVIDENCE, RI -- In an effort to preserve one of Rhode Island's most important historical sites, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined with Bernard Fishman, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Society, to announce $243,000 in federal aid to help repair and refurbish the John Brown House. Built between 1786-88, the house served as the residence of John Brown, a prominent merchant, politician, and founder of Brown University. This federal funding, which will be distributed through a Save America's Treasures Grant, will be used to restore the south block of the building, as well as brownstone porticoes, and the roof.

"The John Brown House is a national historic landmark and I am pleased they are receiving this federal restoration funding," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, which oversees federal spending on this program. "I commend the Rhode Island Historical Society for its dedication to educating the public, particularly local school children, about Rhode Island's vibrant past. The John Brown House helps tell the story of Rhode Island's rich heritage and unique contribution to American history. Restoring this historic residence will give Rhode Islanders and visitors the opportunity to learn firsthand about the men and women who helped build our state and the nation."

"We are very pleased to receive this federal funding. On behalf of the Rhode Island Historical Society, I would like to thank Senator Reed for his continued support of our effort to restore one of Rhode Island's most important architectural treasures," said Bernard Fishman, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Society. "This federal investment will go a long way towards helping us complete the restoration of the John Brown House and ensure that it remains open and accessible to the public."

The John Brown House is a national historic landmark, the highest level of historical importance granted by the federal government. The 18th century brick mansion was designed by the noted colonial architect, Joseph Brown, for his brother John. The house is an example of late-Georgian-early-Federal design. John Quincy Adams was so impressed by the house that he called it: "the most magnificent and elegant private mansion that I have ever seen on this continent."

Founded in 1822, the Rhode Island Historical Society is a privately endowed, membership organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Rhode Island's history. The organization is the fourth oldest state historical society in the country, and houses distinguished museum and library collections that comprise more than 30,000 objects and 500,000 written, recorded, and photographed items.

The Save America's Treasures federal grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. The John Brown House was one of 31 recipients selected for a Save America's Treasures grant by the National Park Service out of 340 applicants in 2007. Since fiscal year 1999, 832 Save America's Treasures grants have been awarded nationwide to preserve nationally significant and endangered historic buildings, structures, places, collections, artifacts and artistic works.