Presented by Hugh Barton During the course of a century (1850 - 1950), more than 100 granite companies arose in Westerly. At the industry's peak 20 - 30 companies were operating, so many companies came and went - lasting just years or decades or even a century. The company lifespans and official reports of numbers […]
Presented by Peter Ogle A journey to uncover the history of some who were enslaved in Colonial Westerly. Free to members; $5.00 for not-yet members
Join us as we celebrate the 250 years since Rhode Island’s Renunciation Act which came before the Declaration of Independence. Our 1734 house will be filled with documents such as Joshua’s will and estate inventory, letters Franklin wrote to Joshua, furniture which graced those homes and even games and toys for children, so bring the […]
Presented by John Concannon Dr. Concannon is a semi-retired pediatrician, but, importantly for us, also the historian for the Gaspee Days Committee. As such, he brings us information on this important Rhode Island event prior to the Declaration of Independence. Free for members; $5.00 for not-yet members.
Pesented by Sara Champlin Four members of the Babcock family were painted by Joseph Blackburn, one of the most sought-after portrait artists in America during the late 1750s and early 1760s. This demonstrates that some early residents of Westerly, Rhode Island were aware of artistic trends and talents beyond what was locally available, and that […]
Pesented by Sara Champlin Four members of the Babcock family were painted by Joseph Blackburn, one of the most sought-after portrait artists in America during the late 1750s and early 1760s. This demonstrates that some early residents of Westerly, Rhode Island were aware of artistic trends and talents beyond what was locally available, and that […]
Presented by Robert Madison and three readers On the anniversary of Bunker Hill, and two days before the anniversary of the date that the Bon Homme Richard sailed from France, this group will present a program around Freneau's war poetry. Please note that this will be at the Westerly Library, not the Carriage House. Free […]
We have chosen some of River Bend's most notable monuments to revisit, most done by Westerly's best sculptors and carvers. Learn about them and about how the monuments exemplify their skills. Please note that the "rain" date of Thursday, July 9 will be in effect if the temperature is above 85 degrees at 3 o'clock. […]
Our annual walking tour of Westerly granite in downtown Westerly always draws a crowd, so plan to be a part of it. Look at buildings, monuments and infrastructure with fresh eyes and you will never look at them the same way again. Meet at the esplanade in the park. Please note that there is no […]
We have chosen some of the masterpieces in River Bend Cemetery to revisit. Each monument exemplifies the extraordinary skills of both the sculptor and the carver. If you missed the tour in July, don't miss this one. Please note that the "rain" date of Wednesday August 12 will be in effect if the temperature is […]
Presented by Lawrence Erhart Owner of Colonial Coins and Currency and active in many coin collecting organizations, Larry will share his knowledge of early local currency with examples and stories. Free for members; $5.00 for non-members.
Patriot of Kings County, a film by Ocean State Video and Weathervane Productions, tells the story of Westerly's own Joshua Babcock who was important in the fight for independence. After the film, Betty-Jo Cugini will answer questions about making the film and Ed Fazio will answer questions about Babcock. Note that this will be shown […]
Bob Ward will auction off donated items of historical, decorative or other interest. Preview will be at 1 and all proceeds benefit the Museum. If you have small items you would like to donate, please contact us.
Joshua Babcock and Benjamin Franklin were friends and professional colleagues who wrote letters to each other for over 20 years. These letters provide insights into their activities and thoughts in the years leading up to the American Revolutionary War. They evidence the friendship not only between these two men but extending to their families, wives […]
From the World War II battlefields of Germany, France, Iwo Jima and elsewhere, Westerly's young men were heroes. Many paid the ultimate price, and those who survived returned home to build the town into what it is today. With the help of their personal letters home, recorded interviews and newspaper archives, their stories can now […]
