Soldiers of the Civil War

Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 pm
Presented by Robert Boucher

Boucher, a Civil War reenactor for almost thirty years, will include a discussion and demonstration of the typical gear worn and used by a Civil War soldier as well as a review of a typical soldier’s food, medical care, working conditions, unit marching procedures and unit battle formations.

At the Carriage House
Free to all

Sherlock’s Books

Sunday, March 27 at 2 pm
Presented by Bob Madison

Retired English professor Bob Madison will offer a discussion of the books of Sherlock Holmes—not the books the famous detective appeared in, but the books that appeared in the famous stories.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was himself especially fond of books, as he wrote in his bibliographical memoir Through the Magic Door, and many of Doyle’s favorites shaped his well-known Baker Street characters. Professor Madison will share the research for his recent Baker Street Journal article, including having on hand copies of the volumes purported to have been consulted by Holmes and his chronicler, Dr. John Watson.

At the Carriage House.
Free to members. $5.00 for not-yet members.

Digging Up the Past

Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 pm
Presented by Matthew Hayden
Hayden, a Westerly police detective who enjoys treasure hunting with a metal detector, will discuss and display some of the many historical items found locally including coins, buttons, buckles, and many more.

At the Carriage House
Free to all

Celebrating the Evolution of River Bend Cemetery

Sunday, April 24 from 2-4 pm (rain date May 1)

Presented by River Bend Cemetery and the Babcock-Smith House Museum
The Open House at River Bend Cemetery will celebrate the major renovation of its office and invites the public to tour the office, view exhibits, and take short tours of selected stones in the cemetery.

Opening remarks will be at 2:15. Tours will leave the office on the quarter hour beginning at 2:30. Last tour at 3:30.

Refreshments by the BSHM Docents.

At River Bend Cemetery
Free to all.

Open House

Saturday, May 28 at 2 pm

Join us for our annual open house featuring the opening event of Little Victorians, a charming new exhibit from the Museum’s textile collection featuring children’s clothing, toys, games and books, along with an exquisite collection of christening gowns from the Victorian Age and beyond.

View the beautiful handiwork on the babies’ bonnets, booties and bibs, and children’s day dresses, pinafores and coats on display in the Museum House through Labor Day.

Free tours of the exhibit and child-friendly refreshments.

Carriage House
Free to members. $5.00 for not-yet members.

Reminisce with Gert

Sunday, June 5 at 2pm

Join us as Gertrude Smith shares her memories of the history of the trust. She and her husband Isaac were part of the history for over forty years of the museum’s development. “We’ve come a long way, baby.”

Carriage House
Free to members. $5.00 for not-yet members.

Little Victorians Garden Tea

Wednesday, June 29 from 1 – 3 pm

Save the date for another of our delectable tea parties in the Carriage House to celebrate the opening of Little Victorians, our latest exhibit depicting the world of children during the Victorian Age and beyond. Enjoy a program (to be announced) as well as the usual delicious luncheon fare prepared by the Museum’s docents.

Tickets are $25 and include the Tea Party and viewing of the exhibit in the Museum House.
Advance purchase is required; please call (401) 348-5971..

Down by the Riverside

Tuesday, July 12, 6 pm rain date July 14
Tuesday, August 9, 6 pm rain date August 11

Presented by Museum volunteers

Museum volunteers will share insights into the monuments in an older section of River Bend Cemetery. This year the tour will focus on the people in this section rather than the granite details of the monuments. Parking is most available near the office and the nearby side streets.

Riverbend Cemetery.
Free to members. $5.00 for not-yet members.

Who Was ‘Crazy Harry’?

Sunday, September 18, at 2 pm
Presented by Suzanne Matteson

Suzanne will share her research on Harry Babcock, whose portrait is featured in both the Museum house and the Stonington Historical Society Palmer Mansion.

Carriage House
Free to members. $5.00 for not-yet members.

Christmas at the Babcock-Smith House

Saturday, December 10, 9:00 am to noon

The Babcock-Smith House docents will be selling cookies, raffle baskets and gift certificates. Joshua’s Store will be open. Complimentary hot cider, cookies, and mini-muffins. Free tours of the holiday -decorated mansion.

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