Dinosaur National Monument | Vernal

Information

Landmark: Dinosaur National Monument
City: Vernal
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America

Dinosaur National Monument, Vernal, USA Utah, North America

The Portsmouth Historical Society Museum is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a historic colonial-era building constructed primarily of fieldstone and wood. The structure features a gambrel roof and has a muted, natural color palette reflecting its age. Its dimensions are approximately 40 feet in length and 25 feet in width, with a height of two stories.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 2452 East Main Road in Portsmouth, RI. It is approximately 5 miles west of the Portsmouth town center. Parking is available on-site in a small gravel lot to the east of the building. The nearest public transport stop is located 0.3 miles south on East Main Road, served by the RIPTA Route 60 bus.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1745 as a private residence. It was later acquired by the Portsmouth Historical Society in 1919 for preservation and to serve as a repository for local artifacts. The site is situated on glacial till deposits common to the Rhode Island coastal plain.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on Portsmouth's maritime history, colonial life, and agricultural heritage. Visitors can view period furniture, tools, and documents. The society offers guided tours of the permanent collection on Saturdays and Sundays between 1 PM and 4 PM.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided within the exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the building. No food vendors are located on-site; the nearest commercial establishments are approximately 1 mile east on East Main Road.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on exhibits, midday (11 AM to 2 PM) is recommended. The museum is open seasonally from May through October. Weather is typically mildest and most conducive to travel during June, July, and September.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact housed within the museum is a spinning wheel purportedly used by a descendant of one of the original Portsmouth settlers. Local lore suggests that during the Revolutionary War, the building served as a temporary shelter for Continental Army soldiers.