Events

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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  

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...

Presented by Peter Piacquadio and other musicians   Music was much more than entertainment during the Revolution — it carried narratives, spread political messages, and helped unify people in a time of conflict. Musicians will perform musical examples that follow the narrative Free for members; $5.00 for not-yet members.  

Do you need a unique gift or an experience just for you? Try a hands-on hearth cooking class. Cook colonial food in an open fireplace and bake oven before enjoying the meal you have prepared. We are offering two classes, February 21 and March 14. Classes are limited to seven...

Presented by Maureen Bjorkland Program highlights cooking and food preparation during the colonial period by comparing today's kitchen to the keeping room of the museum.  Differences in the diet and the eating habits of the 18th century compared to the 21st century. Free for members: $5.00 for not-yet members.

Rescheduled from January 11.  Judge Frank Williams, a perennial favorite at the museum, will talk about colonial courts and may even have a word or two to say about today's courts. Free for members: $5.00 for not-yet members.

Do you need a unique gift or an experience just for you? Try a hands-on hearth cooking class. Cook colonial food in an open fireplace and bake oven before enjoying the meal you have prepared. We are offering two classes, February 21 and March 14. Classes are limited to seven...

Presented by John Linton Although the Westerly granite companies are well-known for their works dealing with the Civil War, John, who is known for his painstaking research, has uncovered monuments dealing with the Revolutionary War and will share his discoveries. Free for members; $5.00 for not-yet members

Presented by Judge Frank Williams Judge Williams, a perennial favorite at the Museum, will share his knowledge about courts in early America.  Sure to be fascinating and, perhaps, a little timely. Snow date will be the following Sunday, January 18 Free to members; $5.00 for not-yet members