Everything old is new again. Or, in this case, something old is getting a few new improvements.

Governor Sprague Mansion is the recipient of a $10,000 grant that allowed for the purchase of a large event tent and space heaters.

Sprague Mansion dates back to 1790 and was the home of two Rhode Island governors; it is located at 1351 Cranston Street and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

In the fall of 2021, the Cranston YMCA, Cranston Historical Society, Cranston City Councilman John Donegan, former Councilman Steve Stycos, and resident and community advocate Grace Swinski partnered to apply for a Rhode Island Foundation grant to increase community events at the Governor Sprague Mansion. The Governor Sprague Mansion is a historic and cultural centerpiece of Ward 3 and now serves as the headquarters of the Cranston Historical Society.

This project aims to make this location a community hub where Cranston’s diverse residents can gather not only for celebration but for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

The community partners were pleased to share that they were awarded the grant earlier this year; all supplies have arrived and are currently being stored in the  carriage house on the mansion’s grounds.

“So much of the history of this part of the city stems from the Governor Sprague Mansion and Cranston Print Works. Increasing community access and participation in this space is one way that we can continue to honor that history and bring people together as we create new memories and build community,” said Donegan.

The tents and heaters will allow the Governor Sprague Mansion to extend programming into the spring and fall seasons. They envision partnering and supporting programming and services from community groups such as the Cranston Arts Commission, Cranston Public Library and OneCranston Health Equity Zone amongst others.

Additionally, as part of the grant award, the Cranston YMCA will hire and train bilingual Zumba instructors to host outdoor programming on the mansion grounds.

“The Cranston Y is not just a gym and swim facility, it is a place that welcomes all members of the community, and strives to provide programs and services that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Partnering with wonderful organizations like the Cranston Historical Society, at the Governor Sprague Mansion, helps the Y take its programs and services outside of our four walls, into the community that we are here to serve,” said Christy Clausen, Executive Director of the Cranston YMCA.

This partnership and project creates the opportunity to connect residents to each other, residents to organizations, and build a more connected and cohesive community.

“Since the Governor Sprague Mansion is situated on one of the largest green spaces in a rather densely populated area, the Cranston Historical Society thought that we should open up our grounds to community and government groups. We hope that people who visit the grounds for one of these events, will develop an appreciation for the history of the area and the work that the Society does to preserve, protect and promote our city’s past,” said Sandra Moyer, President, Cranston Historical Society.

The visions for the future of the space and the Mansion are endless, and are only limited by people’s imaginations.

“I have driven by the Sprague Mansion many times but never realized what a wonderful green space we had in the area until the lighting of the holiday tree. Seeing the people from the area gather in community to celebrate the season was powerful. When I was asked to be part of a group to strategize to bring easier access for outdoor community events I was hooked. I envision many community organizations using the tents and heaters in that space and having the corner of Cranston St. and Dyer Ave. alive with events for the city,” said Grace Swinski, Ward 3 resident and community advocate.

For more information about the Cranston Historical Society, call (401) 944-9226, or cranston.historical.society@gmail.com or www.cranstonhistoricalsociety.org.