Whereas the taxpayers may finance large ticket items, like new carpeting and restoration of plaster, the Friends help acquire special pieces with a history associated with the State House.
Recently, the Friends acquired a c. 1858 bronze desk lamp with the sculptor Hiram Powers' figure of the Greek Slave cast in ormolu.
Funding comes from membership; individual contributions; sale of books and items in their gift shop, "Under the Dome"; and through special events, many held in the State House.
[3] Through special events, and lectures, but more often through on-site interpretation by volunteer tour guides, the Friends help tourists, local residents, and sometimes even members of the General Assembly, better know and appreciate the State House.
The Friends have brought historic preservation architects, artisans and crafts people, historians, musicians, and writers to the State House for public events.