Historic Homes and Sites
Historic Homes & Sites - RI Statewide
Rhode Island was established during Colonial times as offshot of the Massachusetts Puritans. On a vacation trip to Rhode Island today, historic fans can enjoy the Gilded-Age Newport mansions like the Breakers and Rosecliff; tour Slater Mill, where the Industrial Revolution in America was born; and dine at Federal Hill, Providence's Little Italy. Historic lighthouses and boat cruises to take you there are plentiful.
Our picks
Warwick, RI
Clouds Hill Museum
4157 Post Road 401-884-9490A portal to the past opens when you step through the doors of this stately home
When the Clouds Hill Museum opened its doors to the public in 2000, it was opening a portal to the past. Built as a wedding gift by William Smith Slater for his daughter, Elizabeth Ives Slater, in 1872, the house at Clouds Hill has stayed in the family for generations, passing to the oldest female family member. Its original furnishings, textiles with family articles dating back to the 1870s and fine collections of porcelain and glass reflect that continuity, making it one of the area’s best examples of the Victorian style. The property, with 70 species of trees and shrubs, includes a carriage house with over a dozen carriages, and a Center for the Outdoors. Call to arrange a tour or check the website for prescheduled openings.
Warwick, RI
Visit Warwick, RI
3275 Post RoadHistoric homes, museums – and lighthouses! – provide a glimpse into a rich heritage
Warwick, RI, founded in 1642, has a proud history, and you can feel part of it by visiting its many historic homes, museums and other sites of interest. Step back into the Victorian Era at the Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, or into the Age of the Steamships at the Steamship Historical Society of America. Take a walking tour of Apponaug Village, featuring over 30 historic structures, or go on a tour of Warwick City Hall, built at the end of the 19th century (check out what were once the city’s jail cells in its basement). The city also has fine examples of historic lighthouses in the Warwick Neck Lighthouse, built in 1827, and Conimicut Lighthouse, built in 1868.
Warwick, RI
Steamship Historical Society of America
2500 Post Road 401-463-3570Plan to visit to this society’s headquarters and learn about the golden age of steamship vessels
Make an appointment through the website of the Steamship Historical Society of America and plan your visit to the society’s building, with its growing collection of memorabilia and artifacts celebrating the golden age of steam-powered vessels, which transformed global commerce and travel. The society’s massive archives include thousands of photos and maritime art collections from the 19th and 20th centuries, ship blueprints and plans (including the Titanic’s first-class deck plan), iconic posters, advertisements, tickets, video and audio recordings and brochures from cruises including one down the Amazon River. See famous newspaper clippings, including the New York Herald’s front page after the Titanic sinking, brochures from the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, ship logs and company records and ledgers.
Warwick, RI
Warwick Center for the Arts
3259 Boston Post Road 401-737-0010Historic building now home to a vibrant arts center celebrating local artists, community
Once the site of the Kentish Artillery Armory, built in 1854, the Warwick Center for the Arts is located in one of the city’s historic village centers. Designed by architects William R. Walker & Son, who also designed the city hall, the brick building is a National Historic Landmark and contains replicas of two Revolutionary War cannons given to the Kentish Artillery. It also contains a rotating art exhibit in its main gallery, which honors the work of everyone from public high school art students to established artists. Community events include Friday improv nights, youth classes and camps, poetry readings, gallery talks, yoga and meditation classes, ethnic dance troupes and concerts by student musicians. Every winter a market features the work of local artists and artisans.
Providence, RI
Go Providence
1 Sabin Street 401-751-1177Historic homes, buildings welcome visitors interested in Rhode Island’s rich history
Proud of its history, the Providence, RI area opens the doors to historic homes ranging from the John Brown House Museum, with exhibits reflecting the state’s role in the Revolution and in the salve trade; to the Stephen Hopkins House, the 1707 home of the signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Governor Henry Lippit House Museum celebrates the city’s Golden Age with its elegant Victorian furniture and finishes. Visitors can stop by the Roger Williams National Memorial, commemorating the life of the founder of Rhode Island, or walk down cobblestoned Benefit Street, where they’ll discover one of the highest concentrations of Colonial buildings in the country. For more info, visit GoProvidence.com
Jamestown, RI
Beavertail Lighthouse
Beavertail Point, Beavertail Road 401-423-3270While the current tower of this lighthouse was built in 1856, it sits on the site of just the third lighthouse built in the United States--back in 1749. A museum discusses the history of the lighthouse and the area.
Jamestown, RI
Watson Farm
455 North Road 401-423-0005This working farm is managed according to the principles of sustainable agriculture and raises heritage-breed cattle and other livestock. Visitors follow a self-guided walking tour to explore the open fields and pastures. Walk to commanding views of Narragansett Bay, stroll along the shore, and observe wildlife and the seasonal activities of the farm. The house is not open to the public. Owned and operated by Historic New England.
Hours: June 1-October 15, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $4; seniors, $3; students and children, $2.
Newport, RI
Touro Synagogue
85 Touro Street 401-847-4794The oldest synagogue in North America is a worldwide symbol of religious freedom. Built in 1763, the synagogue houses the oldest torah in North America and a letter written by George Washington 1790.
Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Call for specific times or to make an appointment.
Newport, RI
Trinity Church
One Queen Anne Square 401-846-0660Historic church completed in 1726. George Washington worshiped there when visiting Newport, and the organ was tested by George Frederick Handel before being sent from England. Contains Tiffany stained-glass windows and the only three-tiered, wine glass pulpit in America.
Providence, RI
State Capitol of Rhode Island
82 Smith Street 401-277-2357Completed in 1904, the building has the fourth largest self-supported dome in the world. Historic Rhode Island items on display include the original Rhode Island Charter (1663) and a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, a Rhode Island native. Free guided tours are offered year-round, Monday through Friday, by advance arrangement. Tour stops include the Bell Room, where Rhode Island's replica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell is displayed; the State Room, where Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington hangs.
Hours: See website to arrange tours. Tours are 50 minutes. Allow enough extra time to pass through security.
New Shoreham (Block Island), RI
North Light Lighthouse and Beach
North End of Corn Neck Road 401-466-3200This is the fourth Rhode Island lighthouse erected on the shifting sands on Block Island's Sandy Point. The building was opened in 1993 as an interpretive center. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails. No tower access. Reaching the lighthouse requires walking for about 20 minutes from the parking area on a sandy beach. There is an interpretive center in the first floor of the building.
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Tuesday & Wednesday and on rainy days
Saunderstown, RI
Casey Farm
2325 Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) 401-295-1030Explore this working farm with a tour that includes the farmyard and the family cemetery, where six generations of Caseys are buried. Visitors are welcome to ramble along trails and view the organic vegetable and flower gardens. The farm also keeps a flock of heirloom Dominique chickens as well as heritage-breed turkeys. Hiking trails surround the property.
Hours: June 1-October 15, Tuesday and Thursday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Coastal Grower’s Farmers’ Market is held on Saturdays, May through October, 9 a.m.-noon.
Admission: $4; seniors, $3; students and children, $2.
Information: http://bit.ly/XAkVZO
Saunderstown, RI
Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum
815 Gilbert Stuart Road 401-294-3001A showplace for reproductions of the works of Gilbert Stuart, one of America’s foremost portrait painters, this home also is an authentically restored and furnished workingman’s home and the site of the first snuff mill in America. The lovely wooded homestead on the banks of the Mattatuxet Brook also features a partially restored grist mill and a fascinating fish ladder. The grist mill houses the original fine-grained granite stones used to grind corn for the famous Rhode Island johnny cakes.
Hours: May- September; limited hours in October; call ahead for days and times.
Admission: Adults, $10; children age 6-12, $6
Information: www.gilbertstuartmuseum.com
Smithfield, RI
Smith-Appleby House
220 Stillwater Road 401-231-7363A restored farmhouse, built in 1696, is a 12-room structure near Georgiaville Pond and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are led by interpreters in Colonial attire. Visitors learn about the house's history and architecture; hear stories about the Smith-Appleby family; and see demonstrations of 18th- and 19th-centurey life.
Hours: Seasonal hours; tours are held Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Call ahead to confirm house is open.
Admission: $5
Jamestown, RI
Jamestown Windmill
North Road, off Route 138 401-423-1798Built in 1787, this windmill has been restored and is owned by the Jamestown Historical Society. Tours are available.
Hours: Open mid-June to mid-September, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and by appointment.
Little Compton, RI
Gray's Store
4 Main Street 401-635-4566One of the oldest continuously operation stores in the United States, Gray's was built in 1788. On the premises are the areas original post office, built in 1804, a historic soda fountain, display cases, and an ice chest. Numerous antiques are on display, and the store has cheddar cheese, penny candy, and collectibles for sale.
Hours: Open year-round, call for operating hours.
Little Compton, RI
Wilbor House Museum
548 West Main Road (Route 77) 401-635-4035Built in the 17th century and expanded and remodeled over the next 200 years, the property was restored in 1956 by the Little Compton Historical Society. The house contains period furniture and artifacts. The barn features historic farm items, vehicles, and tools. There is a Colonial herb garden. Guided tours available.
Hours: Late June through Labor Day and other times by special appointment.
Admission: Cost: Adults, $5; Children, $1.
Middletown, RI
Whitehall Museum House
311 Berkeley Avenue 401-846-3116Built in 1729 by Dean George Berkeley, an Anglican bishop and philosopher. The home is authentically furnished with 18th century antiques and the small gardens are landscaped with a variety of plants and flowers.
Hours: July-August, daily except Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults over age 15, $5.
Newport, RI
Museum of the Artillery Company of Newport
23 Clarke Street 401-846-8488In the Newport Armory, built in 1836, the museum contains a large collection of military artifacts, both from the U.S. and foreign sources representing more than 100 countries past and present. The museum is run by the Rhode Island Militia, which was chartered in 1741 and is the country's oldest military organization.
Hours: Open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Saturdays 10am - 2pm. Appointment required during the rest of the year. Admission is free and donations are accepted.
Newport, RI
Brick Marketplace
Goddard Row at Thames Street & America's Cup AvenueOriginally built in 1762 as a market and granary, this complex has been restored and is now a popular mall featuring unique shops and eateries.
Newport, RI
Channing Memorial Church
135 Pelham Street 401-846-0643Built in 1880, this Unitarian Church was named for William Ellery Channing, a leader in the Unitarian Church and the abolitionist movement. The structure is built mostly of granite, and features artistic stained glass windows and a bronze plaque by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This church was attended by Julia Ward Howe, author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Hours: Open for Sunday worship at 10 a.m., and by appointment.
Newport, RI
Fort Adams State Park
80 Fort Adams Drive 401-847-2400An active military fort from 1799 to 1945, Fort Adams sits on over 21 acres and held up to 2,400 troops. The Fort often hosts special historical events like reenactments of battles and the daily lives of soldiers in a historic setting. The original defenses still standing include walls, powder magazines, guns and cannons, and tunnels.
Newport, RI
Great Friends Meeting House
Farewell Street and Marlborough Street 401-846-0813Built in 1699, the meeting house is the oldest religious building in Newport. Features the history of the Quakers, once the dominant religion in Newport colony. Open by appointment only, call at least one week in advance.
Newport, RI
Newport Congregational Church
73 Pelham Street 401-849-2238The most recently built church for a congregation originally formed in 1695. Constructed in 1835, this is one of only two churches in the U.S. to be completely decorated by 19th century painter John LaFarge. The church was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012, and is currently undergoing a restoration. Open by appointment only.
Newport, RI
Old Stone Mill
Touro Park 401-846-1398A bit of mystery surrounds this site: some theorize it was built by Colonial farmers, others that it is far older and actually may have been constructed by visiting Norsemen before the 15th century.
Hours: Open year-round, dawn to dusk.
Newport, RI
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
50 Belleville Avenue 401-847-0292Outstanding portraits done in the 18th and 19th centuries can be found in the nation's oldest library building. The library hosts many special cultural and seasonal public events throughout the year.
Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri & Sat, 11am - 4pm.
Newport, RI
Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Ave. 401-847-6650A nationally recognized university in the heart of historic Newport, Salve Regina has a beautiful oceanside campus on the edge of the scenic Cliff Walk.
Information: www.salve.edu
Newport, RI
Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House
82 Touro Street 401-846-0813Next to the Newport Historical Society Museum, this church was built in 1729 and is the oldest 7th Day Baptist structure in the U.S. The pulpit is rich in decor. The building includes a William Claggett clock. Call for hours and to make an appointment.
Newport, RI
St. Mary's Church
12 William Street 401-847-0475Rhode Island's oldest Roman Catholic parish was founded in 1828. The church is best known as the site of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. Named to the National Register of historic Places in 2008.
Newport, RI
Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House - Newport Historical Society
17 Broadway 401-846-0813The oldest restored home in Newport, built in 1675. The house is the site of the Stamp Act Riot of 1765 and was home to Colonial governors, justices, and patriots. Property also contains a Colonial herb garden.
Hours: Open for tours during special events only. Please visit the website for specific dates & times.
Portsmouth, RI
Old School House
East Main Road and Union Street 401-683-9178The oldest schoolhouse in the United States, built in 1716. Antique textbooks, school bells, and school furniture on display.
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; also by appointment.
Narragansett, RI
Point Judith Lighthouse
1460 Ocean Road 401-789-0444Built in 1816, this eight-sided building replaced the original lighthouse, which was lost in a gale in 1815. During the American Revolution, the light was the site of a Coast Guard station. The grounds are open to visitors and plenty of information is available on the history of the site. Access to the lighthouse and the Coast Guard Station are restricted, but tours for groups can be arranged by appointment.
Hours: Open Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Narragansett, RI
The Towers
Ocean Road 401-783-7121The Towers are all that remains of the historic Narragansett Pier Casino, built in 1883 and designed by world famous architect Stanford White, who also built the original Madison Square Garden in New York City. Restoration of the property currently is underway, and there are exhibits to view there, in adition to the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center. Open daily 9 am-4 pm. Summer tours are available.
Wickford, RI
Old Narragansett Church
Church Lane off Main Street 401-294-4357One of the four original colonial parishes in Rhode Island, this church was built in 1707. Includes antique communion silver, slave gallery, and the oldest church organ in North America, built in 1680. Gilbert Stuart, the portrait artist, was baptized there in 1755.
Wickford, RI
Smith's Castle
55 Richard Smith Drive 401-294-3521This National Landmark was built in 1678, and is very near to the trading center built by Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, in 1636. Numerous archeological discovers have been made here, and in 1995 the original house underwent a major restoration.
Hours: Open May-June and September-October, Friday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; July-August, Thursday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $6; children age 6-112, $2.
Information: www.smithscastle.org
Wickford, RI
Wickford Village
Route 1A 877-295-7200Historic seaside village founded in 1641, visitors will find great water views, 17th- and 18th-century buildings that are well preserved, and many fine shops and restaurants.
South Kingstown, RI
Kingston Village
Along Route 138 401-783-1328Kingston Village was founded in 1723, and many historic buildings remain, adding to the atmosphere of Colonial life in Rhode Island. Located right at the entrance to the University of Rhode Island.
Westerly, RI
Babcock-Smith House
124 Granite Street 401-596-5704Built in 1734, this was the home of Dr. Joshua Babcock, who was the first physician to practice in Westerly, and who also served as postmaster. Babcock is known as a friend of Benjamin Franklin. A later resident of the house, Orlando Smith, discovered granite on the property, which became a major industry for the community in the 19th century.
Hours: May 30 through October 31, Saturday, 2-5 p.m.; July and August, Friday and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. Group tours by arrangement.
Admission: Adults, $5; children, $1.
Information: www.babcock-smithhouse.com
Watch Hill, RI
Flying Horse Carousel
Bay Street 401-596-7761The Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest in the country, and records show it was used earlier than 1879. It was brought to Watch Hill in 1883. Each carousel horse is hand-carved from a single piece of wood, and features authentic tails, manes, leather saddles, and agate eyes. They are suspended from a frame in the center, swinging out above the base of the carousel when it is in motion. Only children are permitted to ride the carousel.
Hours: Open June 15-Labor Day, 1-9 p.m.
Watch Hill, RI
Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum
14 Lighthouse Road 401-348-5089Exhibits feature information about life in the area in the 18th and 19th century, particularly relating to marine issues. Facing Fisher's Island Sound, the lighthouse was built in 1858.
Hours: Open Tues-Thurs from July-August, 1-3pm.
Coventry, RI
General Nathanael Greene Homestead
50 Taft Street 401-821-8630The home of George Washington's second-in-command, built in 1770. The grounds include a veterans garden and Revolutionary War cannon.
Hours: Fridays-Mondays from April 1-October 31, 10am - 5pm.
Admission: Adults $8, Children $4.
Cranston, RI
Governor Sprague Mansion
1351 Cranston Street 401-944-9226Built in 1790, this home was owned by the Sprague family, who produced two Rhode Island governors. The house contains period furniture and artifacts. In the stable house there are carriages, carts, winter sleighs, and a Bicentennial Conestoga wagon. Open year-round by appointment.
Providence, RI
Brown University
Prospect, Waterman, Thayer and George streets 401-863-1000One of the Ivy League universities, Brown was founded in 1764. The campus houses several historic buildings and sites, most of which are still in use today. The campus and neighborhood provide ample opportunity for both long and short walks. The university can information concerning the myriad of historic buildings.
Providence, RI
Federal Hill
Atwells Avenue and surrounding streetsThis is Rhode Island's Little Italy. A true example of Providence's old-world roots, with historic buildings and a big splash of the Italian culture that made Providence grow in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy bakeries, shops, and some of the best restaurants in New England. Take an evening or afternoon walk or stroll through these colorful streets and feel like you have stepped into the Old World for a day.
Providence, RI
Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum
199 Hope Street 401-453-0688A Victorian mansion built in 1865, it is a National Historic Landmark. Home of two Rhode Island governors. Intricately decorated and furnished with authentic pieces from the Victorian period.
Tours: Available by reservation only. May thru October, Fridays & select Saturdays. Tour admission is $10 for adults, $5 for Students, and Free for Kids 12 & under and EBT card holders.
Providence, RI
Governor Stephen Hopkins House
15 Hopkins Street 401-751-1008This is the home of Stephen Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, his family, and their slaves, for over 40 years. Hopkins added the Georgian style front in 1743. Twice moved, it was restored and opened as a museum in 1929. Eight rooms are filled with period antiques & Hopkins heirlooms.
Hours: Guided tours given April through November, Saturdays 10am to 4pm, and also year-round 11am-2pm. Donations are requested in lieu of an admission charge.
Providence, RI
First Baptist Church in America
75 North Main Street 401-454-3418This is the oldest Baptist Church in America, established by Rhode Island founder Roger Williams in 1638. The existing structure was built in 1775, and sports a Waterford crystal chandelier designed and constructed in 1792. Tours are currently unavailable due to reconstruction work, but Sunday worship is still ongoing at 11am.
Providence, RI
Old State House of Rhode Island
150 Benefit Street 401-277-2678Home to the Rhode Island General Assembly during the Revolutionary War period, built in 1762. The Declaration of Independence was signed here on May 4, 1776, two months before the other colonies. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Providence, RI
Providence Athenaeum
251 Benefit Street 401-421-6970The Athenaeum is one of the oldest libraries in the country, founded in 1753. The building itself was constructed in 1838 in granite Greek Revival style. Still a fully functional subscription library, interesting exhibits of rare and historic books are often found on the site.
Providence, RI
Roger Williams National Memorial
282 North Main Street 401-521-7266Rhode Island's only national park on the site of the original Providence colonial settlement. A visitors center chronicles the life and times of Roger Williams, founder of the state of Rhode Island.
Hours: The visitor center at the memorial is open daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Warwick, RI
Pawtuxet Village
Narragansett ParkwaySettled in 1642 Pawtuxet Village lays claim to being New England's oldest village. This Historic District features many colonial and historic homes along tree-lined streets. During the early years of settlement colonists were beset by Indian attacks. Pawutuxet Village also was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Foster, RI
Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge
Central Pike, over Hemlock BrookThe only remaining covered bridge in Rhode Island, this bridge was completed in 1994 and is a reproduction of an early 19th century covered bridge. The lumber for the bridge was donated and cut from local forests.
Lincoln, RI
Arnold House
487 Great Road 401-728-9696In 1693, Eleazer Arnold built his imposing house along the Great Road. Two stories high, with a pilastered chimney, the home dominated the modest dwellings of nearby farmers. With its massive chimney end wall, the house is a rare survivor of a building type known as a stone ender. Visitors find evidence of 17th-century construction methods, 18th-century additions, 19th-century graffiti, and 20th-century preservation.
Hours: Open Sundays from June to Columbus Day. Tours available hourly 11am - 3pm.
Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $9, Students & Children $5.
North Smithfield, RI
Slatersville Village Green
Off Route 146Slatersville is one of the country's oldest mill villages, and this typical New England village green is surrounded by a meeting house and numerous homes from the 17th and 18th centuries. Open year-round.
Bristol, RI
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
101 Ferry Road - RI Route 114 401-253-2707Blithewold is a 435-room English-style manor house and home of the prosperous Van Wickle family. Its beautiful grounds and gardens offer sweeping view of Narraganssett Bay below. The house is English Country Manor style with influences of the English Arts and Crafts Movement. Lawns, gardens, and planted beds include a rock garden, a rose garden with a centenarian Chestnut Rose; one of the tallest Giant Sequoias on the east coast.
Bristol, RI
Linden Place
500 Hope St. / Route 114 401-253-0390Linden Place mansion was built in 1810 by the seafaring General George DeWolf. The property includes the mansion, a ballroom built in 1906, a barn built in the 19th century, and an 18th-century summer house. The grounds include historic sculpture and gardens. Live music performances are offered throughout the year.
Guided tours of the estate, featured in the film "The Great Gatsby," are given May through Columbus Day, Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and occasional Sundays. Tours by appointment are available November through April.
Hours: Mansion and museum store, May 1 through Columbus Day, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; office open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Information: www.lindenplace.org
Bristol, RI
Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame
1 Burnside Street 401-253-5000The museum and hall of fame present the story of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America's Cup competition. From 1863 to 1945, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company produced the world's finest yachts on the cutting edge of design and engineering. This Rhode Island museum's collection includes 60 original Herreshoff boats, steam engines, artifacts, and photographs from the Golden Age of Yachting.
Hours: April 26-November 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; other times of year by appointment.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors over age 65, $8; military, $8, youth over age 10, $5.
Information: www.herreshoff.org/
Newport, RI
National Museum of American Illustration and Frederick Law Olmsted Park
Vernon Court at 492 Bellevue Avenue 401-851-8949This essential American art form is on display at this largest collection original artworks from the Golden Age of American Illustration anywhere in the world. The museum includes artworks by N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, and more than 100 other artists. Vernon Court is a furnished 1898 mansion, a unique union of art and architecture, and a national treasure.
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day; see website for hours. Open year-round by advance reservation for groups or private tours.
Providence, RI
John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street 401-273-7507One of America's grandest mansions when completed in 1788, the house at 52 Power Street was home first to John Brown, a businessman, patriot, politician, China trade pioneer, and slave trader who participated in the debates and practices that shaped the new nation. Group, school, and special tours are available by appointment when you decide to visit this Rhode Island museum on your next vacation or getaway. .
Hours: December 1-March 31, Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.; April 1-November 30, Tuesday-Friday, 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors and students, $8; children age 7-17, $6.
Information: rihs.org/museums_jbh.html
Pawtucket, RI
Slater Memorial Park Carousel
Newport Avenue (Route 1A) 401-728-0500The stately grounds of this park include an early carousel by Danish immigrant Charles I. D. Looff. The carousel boasts 42 horses, three dogs, and a lion, camel, and giraffe; they are some of the earliest examples of Looffs work.
Hours: The carousel is temporarily closed. Please call for updated information.
Pawtucket, RI
Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
67 Roosevelt Avenue 401-725-8638Site of several colonial structures, including Slater Mill (1793), birthplace of American industry, the Sylvanus Brown House (1758), and Wilkinson Mill (1810), home to an authentic 19th century machine shop. This rhode Island site also features a eight-ton working water wheel, constructed in 1826, and regular demonstrations of early textile machinery, hand-spinning, and weaving, , making for an interesting place to visit and thing to do especially on your next family vacation.
Hours: Vary seasonally; call ahead.
Admission: Adults age 13-64, $12; seniors over age 64, $10; children age 6-12, $8.50
East Greenwich, RI
General James Mitchell Varnum House
57 Peirce Street 401-884-1776James Mitchell Varnum was one of George Washington’s generals. His mansion was built in 1773, and visitors can enjoy the Colonial garden, the paneled walls, and period furnishings.
Hours: Open weekends from June-August, 1-4pm. Donations are encouraged.
Bristol, RI
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Off Route 114 401-253-9062This is a 35-acre colonial farm, established in 1750. This Rhode Island museum features rare breeds of livestock, a barn, cooling house, blacksmith, and springhouse, making it a great thing to do with kids for a family activity on vacation.
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $5; children, $3.
Information: www.coggeshallfarm.org.
Lincoln, RI
Hearthside House / Hannaway Blacksmith Shop / Chase Farm
677 Great Road (Route 123)Hearthside House, built in 1810, is a fieldstone mansion on the first road between Providence and Mendon, Massachusetts. It is an example of 1800s Federal architecture and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is named after the ten fireplaces, one in each room of the house. Tours of the house are held monthly. Seasonal and special events include afternoon teas, Early American crafts demonstrations, a Victorian Christmas , an Antiques Fair and Antiques Appraisal Day, and a Civil War re-enactment.
Chase Farm is right just a block away from the museum. (401-333-1100) This 118-acre dairy farm is preserved as a green space and is used for activities such as summer concerts. Also on-site are a butterfly garden and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, which is open several times a year for blacksmithing demonstrations. Open from dawn to dusk.
Riverside, RI
Crescent Park Carousel
Crescent Park, 700 Bullocks Point Avenue 401-435-7518This classic Victorian carousel was designed by Charles I.D. Loof, and constructed in 1895. The mechanism includes 66 figures and a carved band organ. It's the official Rhode Island State Symbol of Folk Art. Concession stand and a gift shop are available.
Hours: Spring and fall, Saturday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Memorial Day-July, Friday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; July-Labor Day, Wednesday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Information: http://bit.ly/YxuC9m
Newport, RI
Naval War College Museum
686 Cushing Road 401-841-4052Founders Hall, site of the Naval War College Museum, was making waves long before it was named a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1820, the stately structure served as the Newport Asylum for the Poor before becoming the original home of the Naval War college in 1884. It is the site where Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan delivered his famous lectures on naval history and tactics, published in 1890 as “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783.” Now it is one of nine official Navy Department museums in the nation, exhibiting artifacts and documents dating from the 1500s to today.