Historic Homes and Sites
Visit Providence/Warwick, home of colonial history and Victorian architecture
19 places to visit
Warwick, RI
Clouds Hill Museum
A portal to the past opens when you step through the doors of this stately home
When the Clouds Hill Museum opened its doors to the public in 2000, it was opening a portal to the past. Built as a wedding gift by William Smith Slater for his daughter, Elizabeth Ives Slater, in 1872, the house at Clouds Hill has stayed in the family for generations, passing to the oldest female family member. Its original furnishings, textiles with family articles dating back to the 1870s and fine collections of porcelain and glass reflect that continuity, making it one of the area’s best examples of the Victorian style. The property, with 70 species of trees and shrubs, includes a carriage house with over a dozen carriages, and a Center for the Outdoors. Call to arrange a tour or check the website for prescheduled openings.4157 Post Road 401-884-9490
Warwick, RI
Visit Warwick, RI
Historic homes, museums – and lighthouses! – provide a glimpse into a rich heritage
Warwick, RI, founded in 1642, has a proud history, and you can feel part of it by visiting its many historic homes, museums and other sites of interest. Step back into the Victorian Era at the Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, or into the Age of the Steamships at the Steamship Historical Society of America. Take a walking tour of Apponaug Village, featuring over 30 historic structures, or go on a tour of Warwick City Hall, built at the end of the 19th century (check out what were once the city’s jail cells in its basement). The city also has fine examples of historic lighthouses in the Warwick Neck Lighthouse, built in 1827, and Conimicut Lighthouse, built in 1868.3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI
Steamship Historical Society of America
Plan to visit to this society’s headquarters and learn about the golden age of steamship vessels
Make an appointment through the website of the Steamship Historical Society of America and plan your visit to the society’s building, with its growing collection of memorabilia and artifacts celebrating the golden age of steam-powered vessels, which transformed global commerce and travel. The society’s massive archives include thousands of photos and maritime art collections from the 19th and 20th centuries, ship blueprints and plans (including the Titanic’s first-class deck plan), iconic posters, advertisements, tickets, video and audio recordings and brochures from cruises including one down the Amazon River. See famous newspaper clippings, including the New York Herald’s front page after the Titanic sinking, brochures from the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, ship logs and company records and ledgers.2500 Post Road 401-463-3570
Warwick, RI
Warwick Center for the Arts
Historic building now home to a vibrant arts center celebrating local artists, community
Once the site of the Kentish Artillery Armory, built in 1854, the Warwick Center for the Arts is located in one of the city’s historic village centers. Designed by architects William R. Walker & Son, who also designed the city hall, the brick building is a National Historic Landmark and contains replicas of two Revolutionary War cannons given to the Kentish Artillery. It also contains a rotating art exhibit in its main gallery, which honors the work of everyone from public high school art students to established artists. Community events include Friday improv nights, youth classes and camps, poetry readings, gallery talks, yoga and meditation classes, ethnic dance troupes and concerts by student musicians. Every winter a market features the work of local artists and artisans.3259 Boston Post Road 401-737-0010
Providence, RI
Go Providence
Historic homes, buildings welcome visitors interested in Rhode Island’s rich history
Proud of its history, the Providence, RI area opens the doors to historic homes ranging from the John Brown House Museum, with exhibits reflecting the state’s role in the Revolution and in the salve trade; to the Stephen Hopkins House, the 1707 home of the signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Governor Henry Lippit House Museum celebrates the city’s Golden Age with its elegant Victorian furniture and finishes. Visitors can stop by the Roger Williams National Memorial, commemorating the life of the founder of Rhode Island, or walk down cobblestoned Benefit Street, where they’ll discover one of the highest concentrations of Colonial buildings in the country. For more info, visit GoProvidence.com1 Sabin Street 401-751-1177
Providence, RI
State Capitol of Rhode Island
Completed in 1904, the building has the fourth largest self-supported dome in the world. Historic Rhode Island items on display include the original Rhode Island Charter (1663) and a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, a Rhode Island native. Free guided tours are offered year-round, Monday through Friday, by advance arrangement. Tour stops include the Bell Room, where Rhode Island's replica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell is displayed; the State Room, where Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington hangs.
Hours: See website to arrange tours. Tours are 50 minutes. Allow enough extra time to pass through security.82 Smith Street 401-277-2357
Coventry, RI
General Nathanael Greene Homestead
The home of George Washington's second-in-command, built in 1770. The grounds include a veterans garden and Revolutionary War cannon.
Hours: Fridays-Mondays from April 1-October 31, 10am - 5pm.
Admission: Adults $8, Children $4.50 Taft Street 401-821-8630
Cranston, RI
Governor Sprague Mansion
Built in 1790, this home was owned by the Sprague family, who produced two Rhode Island governors. The house contains period furniture and artifacts. In the stable house there are carriages, carts, winter sleighs, and a Bicentennial Conestoga wagon. Open year-round by appointment.1351 Cranston Street 401-944-9226Providence, RI
Brown University
One of the Ivy League universities, Brown was founded in 1764. The campus houses several historic buildings and sites, most of which are still in use today. The campus and neighborhood provide ample opportunity for both long and short walks. The university can information concerning the myriad of historic buildings.Prospect, Waterman, Thayer and George streets 401-863-1000Providence, RI
Federal Hill
This is Rhode Island's Little Italy. A true example of Providence's old-world roots, with historic buildings and a big splash of the Italian culture that made Providence grow in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy bakeries, shops, and some of the best restaurants in New England. Take an evening or afternoon walk or stroll through these colorful streets and feel like you have stepped into the Old World for a day.Atwells Avenue and surrounding streetsProvidence, RI
Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum
A Victorian mansion built in 1865, it is a National Historic Landmark. Home of two Rhode Island governors. Intricately decorated and furnished with authentic pieces from the Victorian period.
Tours: Available by reservation only. May thru October, Fridays & select Saturdays. Tour admission is $10 for adults, $5 for Students, and Free for Kids 12 & under and EBT card holders.199 Hope Street 401-453-0688
Providence, RI
Governor Stephen Hopkins House
This is the home of Stephen Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, his family, and their slaves, for over 40 years. Hopkins added the Georgian style front in 1743. Twice moved, it was restored and opened as a museum in 1929. Eight rooms are filled with period antiques & Hopkins heirlooms.
Hours: Guided tours given April through November, Saturdays 10am to 4pm, and also year-round 11am-2pm. Donations are requested in lieu of an admission charge.15 Hopkins Street 401-751-1008
Providence, RI
First Baptist Church in America
This is the oldest Baptist Church in America, established by Rhode Island founder Roger Williams in 1638. The existing structure was built in 1775, and sports a Waterford crystal chandelier designed and constructed in 1792. Tours are currently unavailable due to reconstruction work, but Sunday worship is still ongoing at 11am.75 North Main Street 401-454-3418Providence, RI
Old State House of Rhode Island
Home to the Rhode Island General Assembly during the Revolutionary War period, built in 1762. The Declaration of Independence was signed here on May 4, 1776, two months before the other colonies. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.150 Benefit Street 401-277-2678
Providence, RI
Providence Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is one of the oldest libraries in the country, founded in 1753. The building itself was constructed in 1838 in granite Greek Revival style. Still a fully functional subscription library, interesting exhibits of rare and historic books are often found on the site.251 Benefit Street 401-421-6970Providence, RI
Roger Williams National Memorial
Rhode Island's only national park on the site of the original Providence colonial settlement. A visitors center chronicles the life and times of Roger Williams, founder of the state of Rhode Island.
Hours: The visitor center at the memorial is open daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free.282 North Main Street 401-521-7266Warwick, RI
Pawtuxet Village
Settled in 1642 Pawtuxet Village lays claim to being New England's oldest village. This Historic District features many colonial and historic homes along tree-lined streets. During the early years of settlement colonists were beset by Indian attacks. Pawutuxet Village also was a stop on the Underground Railroad.Narragansett ParkwayProvidence, RI
John Brown House Museum
One of America's grandest mansions when completed in 1788, the house at 52 Power Street was home first to John Brown, a businessman, patriot, politician, China trade pioneer, and slave trader who participated in the debates and practices that shaped the new nation. Group, school, and special tours are available by appointment when you decide to visit this Rhode Island museum on your next vacation or getaway. .
Hours: December 1-March 31, Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.; April 1-November 30, Tuesday-Friday, 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors and students, $8; children age 7-17, $6.
Information: rihs.org/museums_jbh.html52 Power Street 401-273-7507Riverside, RI
Crescent Park Carousel
This classic Victorian carousel was designed by Charles I.D. Loof, and constructed in 1895. The mechanism includes 66 figures and a carved band organ. It's the official Rhode Island State Symbol of Folk Art. Concession stand and a gift shop are available.
Hours: Spring and fall, Saturday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Memorial Day-July, Friday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; July-Labor Day, Wednesday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Information: http://bit.ly/YxuC9mCrescent Park, 700 Bullocks Point Avenue 401-435-7518