Babcock-Smith House Museum | Westerly

The Babcock-Smith House Museum is located in Westerly, Rhode Island, in a residential neighborhood close to the town center. The house sits on a modest plot surrounded by gardens and shaded walkways, providing a peaceful and historically evocative environment. Its proximity to the town allows visitors to combine a historical visit with exploration of Downtown Westerly.

History

Built around 1734, the Babcock-Smith House is one of the oldest surviving residences in Westerly and is a prime example of Colonial-era architecture. The house was originally constructed by Dr. Joshua Babcock, a prominent physician, community leader, and correspondent with Benjamin Franklin. Later, it was home to the Smith family, notable local merchants and civic figures.

Throughout its history, the house has witnessed events that shaped both Westerly and Rhode Island, including the Revolutionary War and the town’s growth as a commercial center. The building has been carefully preserved to maintain its architectural integrity and historical context.

Architectural Features

Exterior: The house is a two-story wooden structure with a gambrel roof, central chimney, and symmetrical façade. Clapboard siding and traditional wooden shutters enhance its Colonial character.

Interior: Original woodwork, fireplaces, and period furnishings have been preserved or restored. Rooms include a parlor, dining room, bedrooms, and a kitchen, each arranged to reflect 18th-century domestic life.

Outbuildings: Historic carriage houses and garden structures contribute to the authenticity of the property, illustrating aspects of daily life, agriculture, and household management in Colonial Rhode Island.

Museum and Educational Activities

Guided Tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the house, learning about the Babcock and Smith families, Colonial life, and the historical context of Westerly. Docents highlight architectural details, personal artifacts, and local history.

Exhibits: Rotating exhibits focus on Colonial-era tools, furnishings, artwork, and documents, offering deeper insights into the social, economic, and cultural life of the period.

Educational Programs: The museum hosts workshops, lectures, and school programs, including hands-on activities related to Colonial crafts, cooking, and daily routines.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Babcock-Smith House Museum is like stepping back into 18th-century Westerly. Guests experience the textured wood floors, the scent of old timbers, and the warm, intimate rooms furnished with period pieces. Garden paths and outbuildings provide a glimpse into the practical and aesthetic aspects of Colonial domestic life. Docents share stories of prominent local figures, Revolutionary-era correspondence, and the evolution of the town, making history tangible and engaging.

Conclusion

The Babcock-Smith House Museum is a key historical and cultural site in Westerly, preserving Colonial architecture, family history, and the town’s heritage. Through its well-preserved interiors, gardens, and educational programs, it provides visitors with a vivid and immersive experience of 18th-century life in Rhode Island, offering both educational insight and a connection to the region’s past.