Warwick Historical Society names new officers at 120th annual meeting

The Warwick Historical Society used its 120th annual membership meeting to install a new leadership team and show how a 120-year-old institution is trying to stay visible in Warwick’s civic and cultural life. Held April 26 at the Old School Baptist Meeting House, the gathering also marked the start of the society’s new fiscal year and drew members, guests and local officials for an afternoon focused on the organization’s next chapter.

Jennifer DiCostanzo was named president, with Benjamin Franklin as first vice president, Jennifer O’Connor as second vice president, Kimberly Lukas as recording secretary and Christine Stage as treasurer. The society also named trustees Michael Bertolini, Richard Slater, Christopher Olert, Alan Held, Christopher Webb and Colleen Tyler, alongside executive director Christopher Sloan and office manager Lisa Ryan. Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard, state Sen. James Skoufis, Deputy Town Supervisor Russell Kowal and Councilman Floyd DeAngelo were among the local officials on hand.

The society says it has preserved, shared and celebrated Warwick history since 1906 and operates as a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that receives no tax dollars. It says every dollar raised goes toward educational programs and preservation and restoration work, including care for 12 historic properties and grounds. Newhard said the society safeguards thousands of documents, photographs and artifacts, preserves costumes spanning centuries and serves as an interpreter of the town’s past, not just a custodian of old buildings.

The meeting house itself underscores that mission. Built in 1810 for Warwick Baptists founded in 1765 by Elder James Benedict, the structure was nearly lost before Historical Society leader Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis helped secure it; the deed was transferred to the society on July 27, 1952. With its deep ties to early Warwick religious life, the building gave the anniversary meeting a direct link to the preservation work the society now carries out across the town.

To widen that work beyond boardrooms and ceremonies, the society scheduled a 120th-birthday open house for April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the A.W. Buckbee Events Center on 2 Colonial Ave. The event included the new Time Travelers Passport Program for children ages 10 and under, along with maps, passports, refreshments and a chance to meet board members and staff. The society’s office and 1810 Store are at 80 Main Street in Warwick, open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the archive available by appointment only. That mix of public hours, family programming and property stewardship is how the society is keeping Warwick’s history active in the present.