Smith-Appleby House Museum in Smithfield, RI, Announces Summer Saturday Colonial Tours

June 24, 2011 - PRLog -- The historic Smith-Appleby House Museum in Smithfield has announced its new Summer Saturdays dates during which volunteers, portraying Colonial-period characters, will conduct tours and demonstrations to provide visitors a real-life glimpse into life in Revolutionary War-era Rhode Island.

The Summer Saturdays tours will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 25, July 16, July 30, Aug. 13, Aug. 20, Sept. 10, and Oct. 8.

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, as one of the few 17th century homes still standing in the state, it’s operated as a public museum featuring furnishings and exhibits that recreate the house’s original living experience. Its furnished rooms include the Keeping Room, Buttery, Birthing Room, Stencil Room, Best Parlor, and Loom Room — as well as family bedrooms, the kitchen, and a smoke room. Several other rooms feature specially-themed local historical exhibits. In addition, Smithfield's only remaining railroad station — a flag stop — sits on the property.

There is a $4 donation for admission for adults. Children are free. No reservations are needed.

The Smith-Appleby House Museum also hosts a variety of public events and activities throughout the year, including a Colonial militia & military encampment weekend in September, a Gingerbread Baking Day in October, Colonial Dinners in November, and Holiday Celebrations with Santa & Mrs. Claus in December.

The Smith-Appleby House Museum is located at 220 Stillwater Rd. in Smithfield, RI, just off I-295. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is headquarters to The Historical Society of Smithfield.

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.

# # #

Historic 17th-century Colonial House Museum. Events & tours year-round. Available for school, group & private events & tours. Historical Society of Smithfield.