Babcock-Smith House Museum

Babcock-Smith House Museum, established in 1972, is a volunteer-run organization featuring a 1734 Georgian mansion, granite exhibit, store, extensive granite records and local history books for researchers.

Since 1734

Discover Our Museum: Tours, Programs, Events, and More

The museum offers tours, educational programs, event rentals, volunteer presentations, candlelight dinners, research resources, collaborations with historical societies, an annual history award, outdoor sculpture displays, gift shop, and special events.

Our Permanent Exhibits

We showcase two American history periods: Colonial with the mansion & Joshua Babcock, and Industrial Revolution with granite industry.

The Babcock-Smith House

The Georgian Mansion (circa 1734) is the former home of the Babcocks and Smiths. The mansion is elegantly furnished with pieces reflecting the Colonial Babcock years, the Victorian Smith years, and colonial restoration of 1928. Historians and antique-lovers alike will enjoy all the museum has to offer!

The Granite Industry

The granite industry played a prominent role in the history of Westerly, RI. It is well documented through historical order books, photographs and artifacts. Browse our online collection of photos and reference materials, or schedule an appointment to view them in person.

Special Exhibit

The Wallace Nutting Connection

Wallace Nutting, noted author, maker of reproduction furniture, and photographer of landscapes and colonial interiors which might be later hand-tinted, had a connection to the Museum.

This special exhibit is a result of a letter from him to Phebe Smith discovered last year and features both furniture and hand-tinted photographs as well as ephemera.

Exhibit continues until October 27, 2024.

Our Services

Get Involved Locally

the carriage house

Carriage House Rental

Rent our Carriage House for events such as baby showers, small conferences, and meetings.

A white monument with a figure on top in a park setting.

Programs to Go

Schedule a museum program to be held at your location. A wide variety to select from.

An elderly man sitting and reading a book.

Research

Browse our extensive local history and granite resources available for research.

Testimonials

Reviews

Explore the Museum through the eyes of our visitors! Read their insightful reviews and experiences, gaining a glimpse of the enriching journey that awaits you.

Historic museum house dating back to the 1700s. Good educational activity on a rainy (or sunny!) day. Beautiful gardens. Visit Joshua's Store for souvenirs and the carriage house for a look at the granite industry exhibit.

Ann Smith Local Guide

Nice house, great interior all through, wonderful antiques, clean, has a real old vibe. Great, WARM & I will return to check this place out during the winter..WARM my service puppy approves this review as Babcock House is hip on service puppy rights 😉

Craig Packard

Great place full of local and Revolutionary Era history. House has a lot of details i hadn't seen in other houses of the era. Grants museum is a great addition. Mr. Gallup-Smith gave us the most awesome personal tour for just stopping in after a Docent meeting when it was closed.

Michael Furmaniuk

Our Events

From captivating exhibitions and engaging workshops to exclusive gatherings, our calendar offers a sneak peek into the world of enriching experiences.

Visit Us

Get In Touch

Immerse yourself in history, art, and culture as you explore our curated exhibits and engaging programs. Join us in discovering the stories that shape our past and inspire our future.