This Georgian-styled mansion was built, circa 1734, for Dr. Joshua Babcock. He was Westerly’s first physician, first postmaster, Chief Justice of Rhode Island and a member of the General Assembly when RI declared its independence from England on May 4, 1776. The house was Westerly’s first post office and later the home of Orlando Smith, discoverer of Westerly granite in 1846. Open Memorial Day through October.

Built by Nathanael Greene in 1770, the “Homestead” is a well-preserved 18th Century structure, situated above the Pawtuxet River on 13 acres. Eight display rooms are furnished with period furnishings and Greene family memorabilia. Open April through October. Photo credit: Myrna George

Journey back in time as you observe reproductions of the works of Gilbert Stuart, master colonial portraitist. Authentically restored and furnished 18th century working man’s home and site of the first snuff mill in America. Site includes a grist mill and a herring reserve where river herring migrate up a fish ladder. Open May through mid-Oct.  Photo credit: Joe Lambiase

Founded in 1892, South County’s oldest museum houses 15,000+ archaeological and ethnological objects from around the world. Changing exhibits in the period Southwest Mission-style gallery.  Open year round.

Exhibits include early radio, telegraph, and television equipment, as well as stationary steam, hot air, gas & oil engines. Reference library contains many early scientific texts.  Open year round.

Located at Quonset, this aviation museum hosts a growing collection of aircraft including military and prototype aircraft dating from 1944 (Hellcat under restoration) to 1983 (F-14 Tomcat). And the last aircraft to fly from Quonset NAS, a C-1A COD BU#136792 a one of a kind TWIN TAIL Navy transport. Exhibits focus on both commercial and military aviation. Open year round.

Site of 1638 trading post established by Roger Williams, Rhode Island’s founder. Structure was burned in King Phillip’s War (1675). Richard Smith rebuilt, and the land flourished as the 18th century Updyke plantation. Award winning restoration reveals 17th century and 18th century construction. Open May through October. Photo credit: Guy Natelli

Established in 1933 to inspire wonder and a better understanding of rural and agricultural village life in coastal Rhode Island. Six exhibit buildings highlight blacksmith, carpentry, printing and textile trades and a Living History Farm with a purebred flock of Rhode Island Reds – the state bird! Strathmore Street, off Kingstown Road.  Open May through September.

Rhode Island’s only museum entirely dedicated to telling the story of the state’s original inhabitants, and the only museum operated by and for Native people. The museum maintains a collection of Native American artifacts from across the continent, with a focus on collections from Southern New England. Open year round.

The 8 room mansion was built in 1773 by James Mitchell Varnum, one of the founders of the Kentish Guards. Built in the Georgian style, the mansion boasts 8 large fireplaces, a restored kitchen, period furniture and a wealth of Colonial items. Open June through August. Photo credit: Susie Sundlun

Built in 1914 in the medieval architectural style by the Varnum Continentals, the Armory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Site serves as the Varnum Continental’s headquarters and contains an extensive Military & Naval Museum.

Declared an American Treasure by Congress in 2003, the Westerly Armory is open as both a center for events, conferences, and receptions as well as for tours through its collection of military and community artifacts such as the oil portrait of William R. Walker, major state architect, and the award-winning quilt of the 18 historic armories.  Open Mondays and Thursday & by appointment or chance.