Oliver Hazard Perry - BankNewport grant supports new headquarters

by Barby MacGowan on 20 Oct 2010 BankNewport has contributed $10,000 to Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI) in support of the organization’s new headquarters at the Buliod-Perry House on Washington Square.

It is the second time BankNewport has come forward to support the non-profit organization, which is building Rhode Island’s education at sea tall ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. In 2008, BankNewport’s grant for $25,000 helped with the acquisition and shipbuilding plan for the ship.

'BankNewport is proud to help our new neighbor establish a presence on historic Washington Square,' said BankNewport President & CEO Thomas W. Kelly. Kelly recently joined OHPRI Chair Bart Dunbar and Vice-Chair Perry Lewis for a tour of the new office, which occupies the Newport Restoration Foundation building (circa 1750) and has ties to the ship’s namesake Oliver Hazard Perry.

'It is our hope that the Bank’s support will inspire other contributions of support for OHPRI,' continued Kelly. 'We commend their dedication to commissioning the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry to teach education at sea programs to Rhode Island area youth.'

Dunbar added, 'BankNewport is a cornerstone of our community and has helped sharpen OHPRI’s profile among business leaders, private donors and government officials who are so important to this state-wide effort. Not only will OHPRI be able to effectively communicate its shipbuilding and educational program goals to the general public but also the office will enable us to deepen the public knowledge and appreciation of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, Commodore Matthew Perry and the Perry family.'

The OHPRI headquarters, also supported for two years by two generous anonymous donors, has hired a part-time administrative assistant and is open 9:00-5:00 daily with the help of volunteers. Furthermore, OHPRI has attracted additional non-profit organizations as shared tenants, thus increasing the cultural vitality of Washington Square.

The steel hull of the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, which was acquired by OHPRI in 2008, is currently at Promet Marine Services in Providence, R.I. Once completed, the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry will sail as a 207-foot three-masted, square rigger--the largest, privately owned, active tall ship in America.

The ship is named for Newport's War of 1812 naval hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and will be owned and operated for the people of Rhode Island by OHPRI. She will be based in Newport, serve America and sail the world as an ambassador of Rhode Island.

The success of the education at sea tall ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry relies on the generosity and enthusiasm of individuals and businesses. For more information or to contribute to the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry project, visit www.OHPRI.org or contact Vice-Chair Perry Lewis at OHPRI headquarters, Buliod-Perry House, 29 Touro Street, Washington Square, Newport, R.I., 401-841-0080.

www.ohpri.org