Shakespeare’s Head Building sale paused in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Officials with the Providence Preservation Society have paused the sale of the Shakespeare’s Head Building and Garden on Meeting Street.

The sale that was first approved back in 2023 was paused to take a closer look at its connections to slavery and possible the underground railroad.

According from the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commissions, the buildings first owner “enslaved African Americans” and freed them in 1789.

The Historical Society is taking a closer look through these records to try and preserve whatever stories may come from this space as part of its goal to focus on Black Heritage in College Hill.

The sale of the building is expected to remain on pause through the duration of their investigation.