Meetings
Upcoming Meetings
Next meeting
February 18th, 2026
6:30pm
Warwick City Hall Annex Saw Tooth building
Room 2
65 Centerville Rd, Warwick, RI
October 2025
Minutes of Meeting Oct 15, 2025
Location: Warwick City Hall Annex
In attendance: Pegee Malcolm, Charlotte Taylor, Richard Ring, David Guiot, Maureen Buffi, Betty Mencucci, Larry Hunter, Deb Suggs,
Excused absences: Judy Fardig, Christine MacWilliams, Elise Giammarco Carlson, Jim Bessel
Also in attendance: Chad Morrison (Smithfield Preservation Society), Eileen Costa (Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission), Dory Wagner and Carlo Mencucci
Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Pegee Malcolm, chair • Introduction of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes Charlotte made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Deb. All voted in favor to accept the minutes. • Commission Appointments Pegee announced that she will submit a request to the governor’s office for re-appointment for her term which is set to expire. She also noted that at this time, there are two vacancies for Newport County and one vacancy for Bristol County. • Headstone Removal Larry was notified that homeowners were reported to have removed headstones from the cemeteries on their properties in Hopkinton. After a discussion about drafting a letter referencing RI Statute § 23-18.2-3 regarding the removal of gravestones and memorials, it was decided that the conversation and letter would be tabled until the February 2026 meeting. • DOT Project in Smithfield Chad Morrison from the Smithfield Preservation Society reported that they received notification from DOT regarding upcoming repair work on a retaining wall which contains a holding tomb at SM #045 along Smith Ave. The Preservation Society considers the planned work to be inconsistent with the architecture of the holding tomb itself and the nearby street. The cemetery is maintained by the town but the actual owners of the lot have yet to be found. It was requested that RIACHC send a letter to RIDOT urging that all options be considered to maintain the character of the wall. A motion was made by Dave to vote on sending the letter to DOT, which was seconded by Larry. The motion carried, with Charlotte abstaining from the vote. • Cemetery Awareness Weeks There was a total of 54 events reported, with a few others having been cancelled. • History Fair Pegee noted that on October 25 the Westerly Armory will be hosting a fair of historical societies including representation from Warwick, Johnston and Westerly. There was an invitation extended to RIACHC to participate but staffing would be needed. • Meeting Dates 2026 February 18, May 13 and October 21.
May 2025
Minutes of Meeting May 25, 2025
Location: Warwick City Hall Annex
In attendance: Pegee Malcolm, Charlotte Taylor, Richard Ring, David Guiot, Maureen Buffi, Betty Mencucci, Larry Hunter, Deb Suggs,
Excused absences: Judy Fardig, Christine MacWilliams, Elise Giammarco Carlson, Jim Bessel
Also in attendance: Chad Morrison (Smithfield Preservation Society), Eileen Costa (Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission), Dory Wagner and Carlo Mencucci
Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Pegee Malcolm, chair • Introduction of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes Charlotte made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Deb. All voted in favor to accept the minutes. • Commission Appointments Pegee announced that she will submit a request to the governor’s office for re-appointment for her term which is set to expire. She also noted that at this time, there are two vacancies for Newport County and one vacancy for Bristol County. • Headstone Removal Larry was notified that homeowners were reported to have removed headstones from the cemeteries on their properties in Hopkinton. After a discussion about drafting a letter referencing RI Statute § 23-18.2-3 regarding the removal of gravestones and memorials, it was decided that the conversation and letter would be tabled until the February 2026 meeting. • DOT Project in Smithfield Chad Morrison from the Smithfield Preservation Society reported that they received notification from DOT regarding upcoming repair work on a retaining wall which contains a holding tomb at SM #045 along Smith Ave. The Preservation Society considers the planned work to be inconsistent with the architecture of the holding tomb itself and the nearby street. The cemetery is maintained by the town but the actual owners of the lot have yet to be found. It was requested that RIACHC send a letter to RIDOT urging that all options be considered to maintain the character of the wall. A motion was made by Dave to vote on sending the letter to DOT, which was seconded by Larry. The motion carried, with Charlotte abstaining from the vote. • Cemetery Awareness Weeks There was a total of 54 events reported, with a few others having been cancelled. • History Fair Pegee noted that on October 25 the Westerly Armory will be hosting a fair of historical societies including representation from Warwick, Johnston and Westerly. There was an invitation extended to RIACHC to participate but staffing would be needed. • Meeting Dates 2026 February 18, May 13 and October 21.
Febuary 2025
Minutes of Meeting Febuary 15, 2025
Location: Warwick City Hall Annex
In attendance: Pegee Malcolm, Charlotte Taylor, Richard Ring, David Guiot, Maureen Buffi, Betty Mencucci, Larry Hunter, Deb Suggs,
Excused absences: Judy Fardig, Christine MacWilliams, Elise Giammarco Carlson, Jim Bessel
Also in attendance: Chad Morrison (Smithfield Preservation Society), Eileen Costa (Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission), Dory Wagner and Carlo Mencucci
Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Pegee Malcolm, chair • Introduction of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes Charlotte made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Deb. All voted in favor to accept the minutes. • Commission Appointments Pegee announced that she will submit a request to the governor’s office for re-appointment for her term which is set to expire. She also noted that at this time, there are two vacancies for Newport County and one vacancy for Bristol County. • Headstone Removal Larry was notified that homeowners were reported to have removed headstones from the cemeteries on their properties in Hopkinton. After a discussion about drafting a letter referencing RI Statute § 23-18.2-3 regarding the removal of gravestones and memorials, it was decided that the conversation and letter would be tabled until the February 2026 meeting. • DOT Project in Smithfield Chad Morrison from the Smithfield Preservation Society reported that they received notification from DOT regarding upcoming repair work on a retaining wall which contains a holding tomb at SM #045 along Smith Ave. The Preservation Society considers the planned work to be inconsistent with the architecture of the holding tomb itself and the nearby street. The cemetery is maintained by the town but the actual owners of the lot have yet to be found. It was requested that RIACHC send a letter to RIDOT urging that all options be considered to maintain the character of the wall. A motion was made by Dave to vote on sending the letter to DOT, which was seconded by Larry. The motion carried, with Charlotte abstaining from the vote. • Cemetery Awareness Weeks There was a total of 54 events reported, with a few others having been cancelled. • History Fair Pegee noted that on October 25 the Westerly Armory will be hosting a fair of historical societies including representation from Warwick, Johnston and Westerly. There was an invitation extended to RIACHC to participate but staffing would be needed. • Meeting Dates 2026 February 18, May 13 and October 21.
October 2024
Minutes of Meeting Oct 15, 2024
Location: Warwick City Hall Annex
In attendance: Pegee Malcolm, Charlotte Taylor, Richard Ring, David Guiot, Maureen Buffi, Betty Mencucci, Larry Hunter, Deb Suggs,
Excused absences: Judy Fardig, Christine MacWilliams, Elise Giammarco Carlson, Jim Bessel
Also in attendance: Chad Morrison (Smithfield Preservation Society), Eileen Costa (Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission), Dory Wagner and Carlo Mencucci
Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Pegee Malcolm, chair • Introduction of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes Charlotte made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Deb. All voted in favor to accept the minutes. • Commission Appointments Pegee announced that she will submit a request to the governor’s office for re-appointment for her term which is set to expire. She also noted that at this time, there are two vacancies for Newport County and one vacancy for Bristol County. • Headstone Removal Larry was notified that homeowners were reported to have removed headstones from the cemeteries on their properties in Hopkinton. After a discussion about drafting a letter referencing RI Statute § 23-18.2-3 regarding the removal of gravestones and memorials, it was decided that the conversation and letter would be tabled until the February 2026 meeting. • DOT Project in Smithfield Chad Morrison from the Smithfield Preservation Society reported that they received notification from DOT regarding upcoming repair work on a retaining wall which contains a holding tomb at SM #045 along Smith Ave. The Preservation Society considers the planned work to be inconsistent with the architecture of the holding tomb itself and the nearby street. The cemetery is maintained by the town but the actual owners of the lot have yet to be found. It was requested that RIACHC send a letter to RIDOT urging that all options be considered to maintain the character of the wall. A motion was made by Dave to vote on sending the letter to DOT, which was seconded by Larry. The motion carried, with Charlotte abstaining from the vote. • Cemetery Awareness Weeks There was a total of 54 events reported, with a few others having been cancelled. • History Fair Pegee noted that on October 25 the Westerly Armory will be hosting a fair of historical societies including representation from Warwick, Johnston and Westerly. There was an invitation extended to RIACHC to participate but staffing would be needed. • Meeting Dates 2026 February 18, May 13 and October 21.
May 2024
Minutes of Meeting May 15, 2024
Location: Warwick City Hall Annex
In attendance: Pegee Malcolm, Charlotte Taylor, Richard Ring, David Guiot, Maureen Buffi, Betty Mencucci, Larry Hunter, Deb Suggs,
Excused absences: Judy Fardig, Christine MacWilliams, Elise Giammarco Carlson, Jim Bessel
Also in attendance: Chad Morrison (Smithfield Preservation Society), Eileen Costa (Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission), Dory Wagner and Carlo Mencucci
Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Pegee Malcolm, chair • Introduction of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes Charlotte made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Deb. All voted in favor to accept the minutes. • Commission Appointments Pegee announced that she will submit a request to the governor’s office for re-appointment for her term which is set to expire. She also noted that at this time, there are two vacancies for Newport County and one vacancy for Bristol County. • Headstone Removal Larry was notified that homeowners were reported to have removed headstones from the cemeteries on their properties in Hopkinton. After a discussion about drafting a letter referencing RI Statute § 23-18.2-3 regarding the removal of gravestones and memorials, it was decided that the conversation and letter would be tabled until the February 2026 meeting. • DOT Project in Smithfield Chad Morrison from the Smithfield Preservation Society reported that they received notification from DOT regarding upcoming repair work on a retaining wall which contains a holding tomb at SM #045 along Smith Ave. The Preservation Society considers the planned work to be inconsistent with the architecture of the holding tomb itself and the nearby street. The cemetery is maintained by the town but the actual owners of the lot have yet to be found. It was requested that RIACHC send a letter to RIDOT urging that all options be considered to maintain the character of the wall. A motion was made by Dave to vote on sending the letter to DOT, which was seconded by Larry. The motion carried, with Charlotte abstaining from the vote. • Cemetery Awareness Weeks There was a total of 54 events reported, with a few others having been cancelled. • History Fair Pegee noted that on October 25 the Westerly Armory will be hosting a fair of historical societies including representation from Warwick, Johnston and Westerly. There was an invitation extended to RIACHC to participate but staffing would be needed. • Meeting Dates 2026 February 18, May 13 and October 21.