School Groups Can Experience Colonial History Locally with Field Trips to Smith-Appleby House

March 29, 2011 - PRLog -- School groups can experience Colonial history locally with a host of educational programs designed for students of all ages at the nearby Smith-Appleby House Museum in Smithfield, RI.

The Smith-Appleby House originated as a one-room stone-ender with a loft, built circa 1696 by Elisha Smith, a grandson of John Smith “The Miller” –one of Roger William’s original party of six men who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle in Providence. Later generations of the family expanded the house over the years to its present 12 rooms.

Today, it’s a living museum, home to a host of year-round activities. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is headquarters to The Historical Society of Smithfield.

The House also hosts a variety of historically-themed programs for students visiting the house and grounds in school groups or on classroom field trips.

“The house, museum, and our staff offer a real-life context to the history students learn in their classroom. We provide a hands-on opportunity for students to experience what life was like in Colonial Rhode Island,” said Maggie Botelho, treasurer, Smith-Appleby House Museum.

The Museum offers a variety of education programs for school groups and classroom field trips, ranging from presentations and hands-on demonstrations to tours guided by volunteers in Colonial costume.

Botelho said the programs are offered to school groups “by appointment,” so that staff can consult with educators to specifically craft programs that will meet their goals for the students.

Similar programs are also available for scout troops, historical groups, community associations, clubs, and other organizations, she said.

In addition, the Smith-Appleby House Museum offers events and activities throughout the year for the general public, including Colonial militia & military encampments, arts & crafts and baking classes, historically-themed dinners, and Holiday celebrations.

The Smith-Appleby House Museum is located at 220 Stillwater Rd. in Smithfield, RI, just off I-295.

For more information, call 401-231-7363, email contact@smithapplebyhouse.org, or visit the website at http://www.smithapplebyhouse.org. Follow the Smith-Appleby House Museum on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SmithApplebyHouse and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SmithAppleby.