Babcock-Smith House Museum: Events

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Babcock-Smith House Museum
124 Granite Street
Westerly, RI 02891
401-596-5704
bsh1734@verizon.net

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	Shipwrecks Along the Shore Sunday, January 29, 2012, 2:00 pm "Wrecks Along the Shore" a presentation by Dwight Brown of shipwrecks off the shore of Southern Rhode Island. Sponsored by the Westerly Historical Society. At the Carriage House.
	Ledyard Up and Down Sawmill Sunday, February 26, 2012, 2:00 pm Come learn about the only 19th century up and down, or sash-type, sawmill that still operates with its original equipment on its original site. Sponsored by the Westerly Historical Society At the Carriage House. Free
	Rhode Island, Abraham Lincoln and The Civil War at 150 Sunday, March 4, 2012, 2:00 pm Noted Lincoln scholar Frank Williams will share a bit of his knowledge on the above-mentinoed topics as we mark the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free.
	Governor Samuel Ward, 1725-1778; Westerly's Unsung Hero Sunday, March 18, 2012, 2:00 pm Presented by Helen Farrell Allen, Principal of Tempus Fugit and sponsored by the Washington Trust Company. "Mrs. Allen has studied Governor Ward (1725-1776) at the National Archives in Philadelphia. A crucial delegate to both Continental Congresses, Ward died of smallpox on March 26, 1776. The Archives welcomed the RIHS letter (April 27, 1776) from Mary House, Governor Ward's "intended,, hostess to Madison and Jefferson. Her "genteel" boarding house bordered the Morris mansion where the Washingtons stayed, "within a donkey's bray" of the Pennsylvania Colony House, that we know as Independence Hall." At the Carriage House. Free
	Frozen Glory: The Secret Life of War Memorials Sunday, April 15, 2012, 2:00 pm "War memorials have a story to tell," says Patti Cassidy, writer and filmmaker with a passion for public sculptures. "When battles end and the din of guns and drums subsides, grieving survivors raise stone and bronze monuments to remember their dead; they are Frozen Glory". This talk explores these monuments. Through stories of the generations and the survivors who raised them, their secret lives come to light. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free.
	Beginners Genealogy Workshop Thursday, April 19, 2012, 6:30 pm This workshop, presented by the Phebe Greene Ward Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will provide instruction on how to set up your family tree with the aid of a free program available on the internet, as well as forms that will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring that shoe box full of papers and documents that’s been sitting in the closet, as well as your laptop, if you have one. The shoebox might contain birth and death certificates, photographs, family bibles, obituaries, etc. At the Carriage House. Pre-register at 401-539-2485. Maximum enrollment of 20.
	Westerly Historical Society Annual Meeting Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 5:30 pm Westerly Historical Society Annual Meeting Form will come with newsletter. Masonic Lodge, 20 Elm Street Alan Peck, manager of Wilcox Park, will present a program on the three landscape architects who had an important influence on the design of Wilcox Park.
	Open House: The Battle of Stonington in the War of 1812 Saturday, May 26, 2012, 2:00-5:00 pm at The Carriage House James Tertius DeKay, noted author of historic books, will present a program on Stonington's role in the War of 1812 as we mark its 200th anniversary. A related exhibit, featuring items owned by the Museum and others lent by Trustee Ed Fazio, will be on display in the Isaac G. Smith room. Free tours of the Museum and a ten percent discount at Joshua's Store for members.
© dan and reason	Favorite Doll Tea Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 2:00-4:00 pm The Museum's docents have scheduled two of their very popular summer Doll Teas on July 18 and August 15 (both Wednesdays) this year. Guests bring their favorite dolls for a lovely afternoon tea in the Carriage House and a bit of history. Apart from providing the delicious desserts, docents take our guests on a short tour of the house including highlights such as the antique doll house. Docent seamstresses also make sure Joshua's store is well stocked with clothes sized for American Girl dolls. $10.00 per person. Seating is limited. Please purchase tickets in advance by calling 401-348-8178.
	Crafts with a Past Monday, July 23, 2012, 9:00-11:00 am Come take a break from modern life and experience the crafts of years past! Learn what life was like for people of different eras with hands on projects that were common years ago. Participants will get the chance to create a traditional craft to take home. July 23rd - Tin Punching Using this traditional technique create your very own candle holder July 30th – Rope Basket Making this common craft is easier and more fun than you think August 20th – Victorian Salt Clay Make beads, a bowl, or anything else you can imagine with this classic clay August 27th – Make your own Quill, Ink, and Paper Make your own classic quill pen, ink, and paper from scratch Classes will be held from 9-11 am at the Carriage House and are recommended for children ages 8 – 12 years. The cost of the class is $10 per person per class, or $35 for all four. Classes are limited to 16 people per class. Pre-registration required; download form to register.
	Crafts with a Past Monday, July 30, 2012, 9:00-11:00 am Come take a break from modern life and experience the crafts of years past! Learn what life was like for people of different eras with hands on projects that were common years ago. Participants will get the chance to create a traditional craft to take home. July 23rd - Tin Punching Using this traditional technique create your very own candle holder July 30th – Rope Basket Making this common craft is easier and more fun than you think August 20th – Victorian Salt Clay Make beads, a bowl, or anything else you can imagine with this classic clay August 27th – Make your own Quill, Ink, and Paper Make your own classic quill pen, ink, and paper from scratch Classes will be held from 9-11 am at the Carriage House and are recommended for children ages 8 – 12 years. The cost of the class is $10 per person per class, or $35 for all four. Classes are limited to 16 people per class. Pre-registration required; download form to register.
	Old Money Wednesday, August 1, 2012, 7:00 pm You might have wished you had married "old money," but George Champlin IV will talk about the real thng, including some old Westerly money. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free
© dan and reason	Favorite Doll Tea Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 2:00-4:00 pm The Museum's docents have scheduled two of their very popular summer Doll Teas on July 18 and August 15 (both Wednesdays) this year. Guests bring their favorite dolls for a lovely afternoon tea in the Carriage House and a bit of history. Apart from providing the delicious desserts, docents take our guests on a short tour of the house including highlights such as the antique doll house. Docent seamstresses also make sure Joshua's store is well stocked with clothes sized for American Girl dolls. $10.00 per person. Seating is limited. Please purchase tickets in advance by calling 401-348-8178.
	Crafts with a Past Monday, August 20, 2012, 9:00-11:00 am Come take a break from modern life and experience the crafts of years past! Learn what life was like for people of different eras with hands on projects that were common years ago. Participants will get the chance to create a traditional craft to take home. July 23rd - Tin Punching Using this traditional technique create your very own candle holder July 30th – Rope Basket Making this common craft is easier and more fun than you think August 20th – Victorian Salt Clay Make beads, a bowl, or anything else you can imagine with this classic clay August 27th – Make your own Quill, Ink, and Paper Make your own classic quill pen, ink, and paper from scratch Classes will be held from 9-11 am at the Carriage House and are recommended for children ages 8 – 12 years. The cost of the class is $10 per person per class, or $35 for all four. Classes are limited to 16 people per class. Pre-registration required; download form to register.
	Crafts with a Past Monday, August 27, 2012, 9:00-11:00 am Come take a break from modern life and experience the crafts of years past! Learn what life was like for people of different eras with hands on projects that were common years ago. Participants will get the chance to create a traditional craft to take home. July 23rd - Tin Punching Using this traditional technique create your very own candle holder July 30th – Rope Basket Making this common craft is easier and more fun than you think August 20th – Victorian Salt Clay Make beads, a bowl, or anything else you can imagine with this classic clay August 27th – Make your own Quill, Ink, and Paper Make your own classic quill pen, ink, and paper from scratch Classes will be held from 9-11 am at the Carriage House and are recommended for children ages 8 – 12 years. The cost of the class is $10 per person per class, or $35 for all four. Classes are limited to 16 people per class. Pre-registration required; download form to register.
	An Old Soldier Recalls Antietam Sunday, September 9, 2012, 2:00 pm An old soldier recalls an historic and personal perspective of the Battle of Antietam in this one-man show. Presented by Cpl. V. E. Johnson, Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free
	Battle of Antietam and Westerly Granite Sunday, September 16, 2012, 2:00 pm The Battle of Antietam took place on September 16-18, 1862. Westerly granite has a major presence on the battlefield today. Granite Historian Linda Smith Chaffee will show examples of Westerly granite monuments at Antietam. Learn about the design of Civil War Monuments and the role of Westerly in commemorating the battle. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free
	Bees with a Babcock Connection Sunday, September 23, 2012, 2:00 pm Eric Fiske of Watch Hill Farms will present a program on beekeeping with a connection to John Babcock and his wife Mary Lawton, the first white settlers in Westerly and believed to be the first beekeepers in Rhode Island. Watch Hill Farms is on the site of the Babcock Homestead which remained in the Babcock family for three hundred years. Anyone interested in learning to keep bees is invited to attend this program which will involve history, live bees, and practical information. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free
	Smithsonian Magazine National Museum Day Saturday, September 29, 2012 Once again the Babcock-Smith House Museum will participate in Museum Day. In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket…for free. Official tickets can be found on the Museum Day website at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/. The Museum Day ticket is available on the Ticket Information page. Fill out the form and you will be emailed instructions to download and print your ticket.
	Charles Perry (1809-1890): A Nineteenth-Century Westerly Notable Monday, October 1, 2012, 7:00 pm "Banker, farmer, Quaker, abolitionist, pacifist, family folklore, tangential topics and documented details of private converstions with President Lincoln during the Civil War" is how Harvey Perry II describes his talk about his ancestor, Charles Perry. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free.
	Geneology Workshop: How to Utilize the Internet in Doing Geneology Research Thursday, October 4, 2012, 7:00-9:00 pm This workshop, sponsored by the RI Daughters of the American Revolution, will concentrate on the features of numerous websites that are aids in doing genealogical research. Most often used Ancestry.com has many components that are under-utilized, as well as attributes that provide the ability to communicate with yet unknown family members who may also be working on your family tree. We will explore both paid sites and free sites, and sites that are devoted to specific locales such as Ireland research, or Canadian research. There are sites that contain military records, naturalization records, state censuses, and sites that may have images of original documents. Every day, there are more and more records being placed on the internet. Let's find them. Participants may bring a laptop, although it is not a pre-requisite to participating in the class. In order to foster personalized attention, this class will be limited to 20 individuals. There is a $20 fee to participate. To reserve space, please call Susan Cline at (401) 539-2485.
	Veggie Venture Luncheon Friday, October 12, 2012, 11:30-2:00 pm A bountiful buffet luncheon of scrumptious vegetarian dishes is served at this popular annual event. Come and enjoy a delicious meal that you'll never feel guilty about. Remember when Mom and Grandma reminded us to eat our vegetables? They knew what they were talking about. Guided tours of the historic Museum House are included in the price of lunch. Joshua's Store will be open. Tickets available at door for $10.00. Cookbook for $5.00.
	Frank Grzyb Sunday, November 4, 2012, 2:00 pm Frank Grzyb, author of Rhode Island's Civil War Hospital: Life and Death at Portsmouth Grove 1862-1865, will speak. Sponsored by the Westerly Historical Society.
	Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 1, 2012, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Local residents tell us that the Babcock-Smith House Christmas Bazaar is one of their annual favorites! Holiday decorative greens, collectibles, Grandma's Attic, and our homemade cookies and baked items are especially popular. Coffee and muffins will be served in the dining room of the Museum House. Joshua's Store is especially well-stocked with handmade gifts at this time. This is one bazaar not to be missed!
	Celebration of Trees Saturday, December 8, 2012, 1:00-5:00 pm Opening day of the Babcock-Smith House Celebration of Trees. Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Today docents will greet you in Victorian costume! Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Sunday, December 9, 2012, 1:00-5:00 pm Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Today our special guest is Santa! Parents and grandparents are welcome to photograph children with their own cameras. Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Monday, December 10, 2012, 5:00-8:00pm Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 5:00-8:00pm Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Today our special guest is Deborah O'Connor, Westerly artist and owner of Silhouettes by Deborah O'Connor. She will be at the Museum between 5:00-8:00pm to cut heirloom-quality silhouettes of children and adults while you wait. Click here for more information about the silhouettes, and here to download an order form. Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Wednesday, December 12, 5:00-8:00pm Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Thursday, December 13, 2012, 5:00-8:00pm Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Today our special guest is Deborah O'Connor, Westerly artist and owner of Silhouettes by Deborah O'Connor. She will be at the Museum between 5:00-8:00pm to cut heirloom-quality silhouettes of children and adults while you wait. Click here for more information about the silhouettes, and here to download an order form. Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Friday, December 14, 5:00-8:00pm Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Today docents will greet you in Victorian costume! Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	Celebration of Trees Saturday, December 15, 2012, 1:00-5:00 pm Don't miss out on our last day of the event! Every room in the museum will sport trees thematically decorated by individuals, businesses, or non-profits in the area. This will surely be a highlight of your holiday season. Today a museum docent will be on hand to read holiday stories to children between 2:00-4:00 pm. Click here for a PDF of our Celebration of Trees poster. Non-members $10.00; ages 5-12 $3.00, under 5 years and members free.
	The Emancipation Proclamation at 150 Sunday, January 6, 2013, 2:00 pm In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the date that the Emanicaption Proclamation went into effect, former Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Frank Williams will trace the legal status of African Americans from the time before the Emancipation Proclamation to the present. This program is part of a series of programs commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free.
	Jason Mancini - Mashantucket Pequot Museum Sunday, February 3, 2013, 2:00 pm Jason Mancini, researcher, Mashantucket Pequot Museum, will speak on his research of the various local Indian tribes' mapping project and significance in Westerly, and Westerly’s north end development after 1910. Sponsored by the Westerly Historical Society.
	Linda Welters - Textile Department, URI Sunday, March 3, 2013, 2:00 pm Linda Welters, Professor and Textile Department co-chair at the University of Rhode Island, will speak on the history of Rhode Island quilts. Sponsored by the Westerly Historical Society.
	Uncle Tom’s Cabin: A Call to Action Sunday, March 10, 2013, 2:00 pm Although it is not true, many people believe that when Lincoln met Harriet Beecher Stowe, he said, “So this is the little lady that started this great war.” It is true, however, that this novel helped lay the ground work for the Civil War. Presented by Ellen Madison whose doctoral dissertation was on Uncle Tom’s Cabin. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free.
	Scott Molloy - Labor Relations Department, URI Sunday, April 7, 2013, 2:00 pm Scott Molloy, Professor of Labor Relations at the University of Rhode Island and historian, will speak on “Hidden Rhode Island History”. Sponsored by the Westerly Historical Society.
	Long Time Gone: Neighbors Divided by Civil War Sunday, April 28, 2013, 2:00 pm Les Rolston, author of several books on Civil War "ordinary people who do extraordinary things" will present a program based on his book Long Time Gone: Neighbors Divided by Civil War. It is an epic story of two young Rhode Islanders—boyhood friends from the sleepy seaside village of Pawtuxet—who as teenagers fought in the Civil War on opposite sides. Elisha Hunt Rhodes served with the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment while schoolmate James Rhodes Sheldon shouldered a musket in the 50th Georgia Infantry. What these two youngsters saw, felt, and suffered through makes for absolutely riveting reading. At the Carriage House. Non-members $2.00; members free