Foley receives leadership award

ROBERT P. FOLEY was recently honored with the Frederick C. Williamson Professional Leadership Award by Preserve Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission during the 2016 Rhody Awards. The award recognizes Foley’s contributions to the historic preservation of Newport.

What are some steps you’ve taken to help preserve Newport?

In 1964, aware of the activities of Operation Clapboard, I bought the Peter Simon House that was livable but needed restoration. Thus began the work on the house. I was also able to secure a small, 18th-century building that was to be demolished and was able to move it to a vacant lot that came with the Simon House. I worked with Operation Clapboard and with their purchasers of houses to plan and oversee the restoration.

The Newport Restoration Foundation was formed in 1968. I consulted with staff, documenting their houses as bought, and photographed houses as purchased, throughout the restoration process.

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In 1997, I was employed by NRF to organize the archives. In 2000, I was named director of preservation. Through the years, various projects were undertaken and three or four significant 18th-century houses were added to the collection and restored.

Do you have a favorite historic property or site in Newport?

In a sense, I do not have a favorite – I look to the next as a favorite in restoration or repair. The Alexander Jack House is a comfortable favorite, since I have lived in this NRF house for some 33 years.

What role does photography play in your efforts to help preserve R.I.’s rich history?

I have been avid about photography since taking over my mother’s Kodak at age 7. With regards to photography and my restoration work, I have used it as a visual note-taking of a restoration from start to finish. The images, as a collection, show the history and process of the restoration. •

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