Linden Place is the centerpiece of Bristol's historic downtown, waterfront district. The property was designed and built for General George DeWolf by Rhode Island architect Russell Warren in 1810. The property stayed in the DeWolf family until the mid-1980's when the last living grandchild put the mansion on the market. In 1989, Friends of Linden Place, a non-profit organization purchased the property and today keep the mansion, the carriage barn built in 1825, the ballroom, the beautiful gardens and all buildings on the property in pristine condition.
Step back in time and explore one of the finest examples of Federal Period Architecture with its striking portico, intricately carved banisters and stately columns. The history behind the property is fascinating from George DeWolf's middle of the night departure and subsequent swarming of the mansion by the townspeople of Bristol to a mansion where Presidents were entertained. Today the mansion is open to the public and is frequently used for weddings and special events. Come and see what makes Linden Place one of Rhode Island's favorite treasures.
The Varnum house, built in 1773 by Revolutionary War Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, a is a well-preserved example of late 18th century Rhode Island architecture. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and has many pieces of furniture from the Revolutionary period. The grounds include a two-acre lot with lawns and formal gardens that may be the setting for meetings and festive occasions.
Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame is a facility celebrating the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and yachting in the area. It offers guided tours, various educational programs, including sailing lessons and boat-making classes, lectures and more. The America's Cup Hall of Fame portion of this facility honors distinguished individuals in the America's Cup yachting competition. Please visit the website for more information on the museum, its programs, membership rates and related information.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is a grand estate overlooking Bristol Harbor. This Queen Anne mansion has been kept well maintained in order to preserve its turn-of-the-20th-century style. The gardens and enclosed woodland feature an abundance of indigenous plant life, a rock garden and a variety of trees. Blithewold hosts an education summer camp, where children are taught botany, wildlife and environmental preservation. The mansion is available to be rented for special private events rental. Group tour, camp and event information are available on the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum website.
The historic South County Museum was founded in 1933 in a barn in Wickford, North Kingstown. It then moved to the Knight Farm on Scrabbletown Road finally moving to its current location on Canonchet Farm in 1984 due to the expansion of Route 4.
Owned by the Town of Narragansett, this 174-acre property was once home to the 12th Governor of Rhode Island, Col. William Sprague. Rich in history from 1695 - 1950, there are seven exhibit buildings to explore at the museum. The Metz Building is the largest exhibit facility showcasing the msueum's Victorian Kitchen, the Maritime Exhibit and the General Store.
The Carpentry Shop houses a great collection of old tools and old-fashioned power tools. There is also the Robinson Family Cemetery on property, one of Rhode Island's historical cemeteries where Governor William Robinson rests.
Walk inside the museum's 19th Century One-Room Schoolhouse and you'll be transported back through time to days when old, one-piece wooden desks and slate chalkboards welcomed the children. As you wander the property you will be surrounded by lush flower and herb gardens. During the spring, watch the sheep get shorn on its living history farm. The Blacksmith Shop reveals tools and artifacts such as horseshoes that are on display and the Print Shop is both an exhibit and the home of Museum Press, which uses 19th- and 20th-century letterpress technology to produce posters and flyers for the museum.
With more than 20,000 items in its many historical collections, the South County Museum will offer you and your family hours of fascinating learning on grounds that are authentically reflective of the Victorian Era.
The South County Museum is seasonal, with admission to the general public from May through September.
The Smith Appleby House is located on Stillwater Road, off of Washington Highway in Smithfield. The house was built in 1696 by Elisha Smith, grandson of John Smith, who was one of six men with whom Roger Williams left the Massachusetts Bay Colony for Providence.
Originally constructed as a "stone-ender," meaning one wall was entirely composed of stone, Smith Appleby House began as a one-room cottage with a single loft above until, beginning in 1730, additions were built to accommodate the growing family. Together, Elisha and his wife, Experience, had 10 children -- seven boys and three girls. A new, modern kitchen with a beehive oven was added in 1813, which was the last addition the house would see.
Each restored room is furnished with an amazing collection of 17th century antiques, including toys for the children, a spinning wheel for mother, and numerous books and writings for father. The walls and cabinets boast all the original woodwork, restored and polished, while the numerous fireplaces, found in approximately half the rooms, are in perfect working order. There is a historical cemetery on the property, dating back to the 1760s, in which lie the remains of the late Elisha Smith.
The 7 acres on which this historic 12-room home sits is now owned by the Historical Society of Smithfield. Smith Appleby House is also listed with the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is open for tours during scheduled events, or by appointment upon request.
