Smith-Appleby House Offers Holiday Tours

Smithfield's Smith-Appleby House Museum, located at 220 Stillwater Rd. is opening its doors this Saturday, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 from 1-4 p.m. to host Colonial Holiday Open Hours Tours featuring festive seasonal activities and decorations.

Visitors will enjoy hot apple cider while taking a tour of the 17th century farmhouse which is fully decorated for the holidays, led by historic interpreters dressed in Colonial period attire. Demonstrations of hearthside cooking will also be featured as well as traditional music provided by Everett Brown.

According to the official Smith-Appleby House website, the house was originally built circa 1696 by Elisha Smith as a one-room stone-ender with a loft. Smith was the grandson of John Smith “The Miller,” one of Roger Williams’ original party of six men who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle in Providence. 

Over the course of about 117 years, later generations of the family made additions and modifications to the House, eventually bringing it to its present twelve rooms. It is one of only a few remaining 17th century houses in Rhode Island and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The House features a variety of original furnishings, designs, and exhibits and today is headquarters to the Historical Society of Smithfield.

Admission to the Holiday Open House Tours is $5 per person. Visitors are asked to dress warmly.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.smithapplebyhouse.org or call 401-231-7363.