THE LOMBARD J. POZZI CENTER FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION EDUCATION
The BH&PS honors Lombard J. Pozzi's devotion to Rhode Island's architectural heritage by promoting historic preservation education and advancing knowledge about best practices in conserving our inherited built environment.
LOMBARD JOHN POZZI
1945-2013
Lombard John Pozzi was a lifelong resident of Bristol. He attended Bristol schools, graduating from Colt High School in 1963. He then received his Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1968, and later his Masters in Historic Preservation from Columbia University in 1974. This strong educational background led to his lifelong commitment to preserving the historic fabric of our community and to designing new structures that added to Bristol’s heritage.
Bristol is fortunate to have so much of his talent and commitment on display throughout the Town. His work is visible in a range of public buildings (Bristol Statehouse, Burnside Building, Rogers Free Library) and private structures (Linden Place, Guiteras House, the Nelson House). He also designed new buildings, notably the private residence at 190 Hope Street and a commercial building at 477 Hope Street on the lots that once housed his father’s drug store. Note the weather vane he designed for it and which is now incorporated into the logo for the Pozzi Center.
Lombard died in 2013 but he left behind his legacy of creative thinking, detailed problem solving, and helping educate others in the processes of preserving our past and embracing our future. The Pozzi Center has been created as a vehicle to allow us to continuously draw on his work and inspiration as we proceed to live in our historic environment.
KNOWN AS THE RESTORATION MAN
Widely known as the "Restoration Man", Lombard's work incorporated projects throughout Rhode Island and neighboring states. In Warren, he restored the George Hail Free Library; in Providence, the First Baptist Church in America; at Roger Williams Park in Providence, the Casino and numerous other buildings; in Johnston, the Dame Farm; in Narragansett, the Towers; and hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of other structures throughout the area. The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society is the repository for all of his drawings and detailed notes for his projects.
ACTIVITIES AT THE POZZI CENTER
POZZI Lecture in Historic Preservation & Architecture
POZZI Student Award
POZZI Stewardship Award
POZZI Homeowner Workshops
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Guided Walking Tours
POZZI ON HOPE Self-Guided Walking Tour
POZZI Care and Feeding of Historic Houses Guide
RAMBLINGS Publications
The Pozzi Center is located at the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society which is open for research on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. Please call in advance for an appointment so that staff will be available to assist you.
The photo to the left is one of three "playhouses" that Lombard designed and built himself at the age of 14. It is now located in the garden of the BH&PS.