Programs may be subject to cancellation due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please check this page or our Facebook page for updates.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 - 11:00 AM
TOUR OF VARNHAM HOUSE MUSEUM
Varnham House Museum Mansion, overlooking Greenwich Bay in East Greenwich, was built by James Mitchell Varnum on a large plot of land he had purchased in 1773 for $90. Varnum was a talented young lawyer and a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War and early American politics. He attracted a "Who's Who" of guests to his mansion, including George Washington, Rochambeau, John Sullivan, Nathaniel Greene and more. Varnam House was constructed by master builder John Reynolds in keeping with the best architectural standards of the late 18th century. The museum's exhibits focus on early American furniture, household items, musical instruments, children's toys, documents, paintings and many items from the Far East. Tour cost is $10 per person. Following our tour, we will meet at Chelo’s Waterfront for lunch.
RSVP by September 7th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: Varnham House Museum, 57 Pierce Street, East Greenwich, Rl.
Directions: From Route 95 South, bear left onto Route 4 South. Exit onto Route 401 East (Division Street). In about one mile stay straight, following Division Street (do not bear right following Route 401). After 0.7 miles, turn right onto Pierce Street. Continue to the Varnum House at 57 Pierce Street.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 - 11:00 AM
BIANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO ROGER WILLIAMS SHELTER
We will assemble on the straight dirt road off Birch Swamp Road, Warren, Rl and travel by car to within several hundred yards of the large rock shelter known as Margaret's Rock in North Swansea, MA. Margaret was a Wamponoag Medicine Woman who helped Roger return to good health, along with the help of Massasoit, following Roger's banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in that extremely cold winter of 1636. It is the only abode which exists today in the Providence area whose walls Roger actually touched. Let us pay homage to this temporary and first home in the wilderness for Roger during the 14 weeks immediately after his banishment. Please arrive 30 minutes early to carpool and/or caravan. The rain date will be Sunday, October 6th at 1:00pm. Bring a folding chair and packed lunch for a short meeting afterwards.
RSVP by September 28th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
Directions: From Providence, take I-195 toward Swansea and Fall River; take the Rt. 136 exit and travel south 1.7 miles; after crossing into RI, turn left onto Birch Swamp Rd.; continue for 0.3 miles where road takes a 90 degree turn, and go straight onto the dirt road (sign "Windswept Farm"; DO NOT turn right into the drive to the Old Chase Farm). We will assemble on this dirt road, drive to within several hundred yards, and hike up to the rock from there.
NEW DATE!
REVISED TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024 - 11:00 AM
[SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024 - 11:00 AM]
FOUNDER'S DAY SERVICE AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
We will meet for the annual Founder's Day Service at First Baptist Church in Providence and join in the celebration of their 386th anniversary. We will then gather at the Betsy Williams cottage in Roger Williams Park to enjoy a self-tour of the building's exterior, view the nearby Roger Williams statue, and walk through the Joseph Williams burial grounds. Please bring a folding chair and a picnic lunch. Should the weather not cooperate, after church we will meet at Chelo's at 505 Silver Spring Avenue in Providence for lunch.
RSVP by October 5th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: First Baptist Church, 75 North Main Street, Providence, Rl.
Directions: From I-95 take Exit 22A, following the signs to Downtown/Memorial Blvd; follow Memorial Blvd to the river; then left onto Washington St. The church is visible directly ahead at the corner of North Main and Waterman Sts. Parking can be difficult, so plan travel time accordingly.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024 - 11:00 AM
TOUR OF PAINE HOUSE MUSEUM
The Paine House Museum is operated by the Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society as a former colonial home and inn. The original part of the house is thought to have been built as early as 1691 by Samuel Bennett, who was known to operate a sawmill on the nearby Pawtuxet River. We will meet in the adjacent Mruk Fire Alarm Building for a short meeting and a talk by Charlotte Carrington-Farmer on Roger and Mary Williams. This will be followed by a house tour ($6 per person). For those interested in lunch, directions will be given to the nearby Old Theatre Diner located at 33 Sandy Bottom Road, Coventry.
RSVP by November 9th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: Paine House Museum, 7 Station Street, Coventry, Rl.
Directions: From Providence, take Rte. 95S toward East Greenwich. Take Exit 21 onto New London Turnpike. Turn left onto Arnold Road. Cross over Tiogue Avenue onto Sandy Bottom Road. Turn left onto Main Street, then right onto Station Street.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024 - 12:30 PM
HOLIDAY PARTY AT PAWTUXET ARMORY
Our holiday party will be held at the historic Pawtuxet Armory, built in 1842. We will begin with a short business meeting followed by a light holiday luncheon. Then time for some holiday fun! Come prepared for an old fashioned cookie swap. For those who like to bake, this is your chance to bring your favorite cookies. For those who do not bake, pick up a dozen or two cookies from your favorite market or bakery. Everyone will go home with a selection of different cookies to start off the holidays. Luncheon cost is $10 per person.
RSVP by December 1st to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: Armory Hall, 59 Remington Street, Warwick, RI.
Directions: From 95 North or South take the Route 37 East exit. Travel all the way to the end, following signs to Post Road North. Follow all the way to the end, crossing over Warwick Avenue and passing Bank Cafe on your left. At traffic light (facing Pawtuxet Park), turn right on Narragansett Parkway. Take second right onto Remington Street. The Armory will be one block up on the right, at the corner of Remington and Bank Streets.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2025 - 11:00 AM
TOUR OF JOHN WATERMAN ARNOLD HOUSE
A short business meeting will be held at the John Waterman Arnold House followed by a tour of this interesting old house built around 1790, now home to the Warwick Historical Society. John Waterman Arnold was a descendent of William Arnold, Richard Waterman, and Roger Williams through daughter, Mercy. We will gather after our tour at nearby Governor Francis Inn at 1251 Warwick Avenue (directions will be provided).
RSVP by April 10th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: John Waterman Arnold House, 25 Roger Williams Circle, Warwick, Rl.
Directions: From Rte. 95 North or South take the Route 37 East exit. Travel all the way to the end, following signs to Post Road North. Follow Post Road North, noting Walmart on your right. At traffic light, turn right onto Atlantic Avenue. At next traffic light, turn right onto Warwick Avenue. Take second left onto Harrison Avenue and follow for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Roger Williams Avenue.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 - 11:00 AM
TOUR OF HEARTHSIDE MANSION
Built in 1810, this unique stone mansion is located on Great Road, the first road built through the wilderness between Providence and Mendon, MA and one of the oldest thoroughfares in America. Hearthside, also known as "The House that Love Built," is one of the finest examples of 19th century federal-style houses in the state and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The land on which Hearthside was built was originally owned by Roger Williams. A brief meeting will follow the tour, then lunch at The Lodge Pub & Eatery at 40 Breakneck Hill Road (directions will be provided).
RSVP by April 26th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: Hearthside House Museum, 677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI.
Directions: From Rte. 95 North take Exit 23 to Rte. 146 North Woonsocket/Lincoln. Take the Rte. 123/Breakneck Hill Road exit; turn right onto Rte. 123. Just as Breakneck Hill levels off, at the intersection of Great Road, there will be a farm with twin silos on your left; immediately after the silos is Hearthside. From Rte. 295 take Exit 9A onto Rte. 146 toward Lincoln. Take the Rte. 123/Breakneck Hill Road exit. Turn left onto Rte. 123E. At the bottom of the hill, Breakneck Hill Road becomes Great Road. You will see twin silos on your left and Hearthside is right after them.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025 - 12:00 PM
VISIT TO FOUNDER'S BROOK
In old records, Founder's Brook was known as the "watering place" and was later called "Stony Brook." Today it is called "Founder's Brook, " a place set aside to remember the founders, the Portsmouth Compact, and the early roots of Portsmouth life where Anne Hutchinson and her followers helped settle the colony on land Roger Williams helped them to secure from the Native Americans. Bring a chair and picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful setting.
RSVP by June 14th to hhsctc@aol.com or 401-423-0442.
GPS: Founder's Brook, 364 Boyds Lane, Portsmouth, Rl.
Directions: From Providence take Rte. 195 East towards Fall River. Exit to Rte. 24 South. After Montaup Country Club on your right, take Exit 2 from Rte. 24. At the end of the exit turn right onto Boyds Lane, then a sharp left onto Old Boyds Lane at intersection with Anthony Road.