Your Guide: Crafts and the "Footsteps in History" Quilt at Smith-Appleby House

In the latest edition of its "Rhody Ramble Open House" series, the Smith-Appleby House hosts making corn husk dolls on Aug. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Following a Penobscot Native American design, the dolls are quick to make and provide a lifetime of memories.

Also this weekend, the "Footsteps in History" quilt will be on display at Smith-Appleby.

From the Smith-Appleby website: 

"The quilt was created when each of the 24 towns in the Blackstone Valley was asked to contribute a fabric square depicting their town. The squares were joined together to make a quilt. The quilt is visiting each town to celebrate how everyone came together to make the Valley a better place."

If you've never been to the Smith-Appleby House — or even if you have — here's the history: The the 17th-century home is set on land that was granted to John Smith by Rhode Island founder Roger Williams.

And while there have been a few updates — including the "modern" kitchen with beehive oven constructed in 1813 — the old house retains its historical character as a true living reminder of the early days of Rhode Island history.

Crafters are invited to retire to the house for a tour. Admission is $5 for adults, children are free.

To get there from Johnston: Take I-295 North to Rte. 7 south [toward North Providence]. Take a right onto Limerock Road, then right onto Stillwater Road. Address: 220 Stillwater Road, Smithfield.

Visit the Smith-Appleby House website for more information on this and other events.