Smith-Appleby House Museum

The Smith-Appleby House Museum is an 18th-century historic house in Smithfield, Rhode Island, built beginning in 1702 and home to seven generations of the Smith and Appleby families until 1959. The family's line traces back to John Smith, known as 'The Miller,' who emigrated from Massachusetts with Roger Williams in search of religious freedom. Inside, the house preserves soot-stained beams and time-worn hearthstones in its keeping room, decorative lambs tongue woodwork, and a chalk signature left by Hugh Whipple in October 1755. The Historical Society of Smithfield, founded in 1932 by 49 charter members from prominent Rhode Island families, purchased the deteriorating property in 1976 from a descendant of charter member Myra Appleby and restored it through community fundraising and volunteer labor. Today the house serves as the Society's headquarters and museum, preserving local artifacts and Smithfield history for public education. The grounds host a Summer Concert Series on Wednesday evenings, monthly Sunday Open Houses, and private wedding ceremonies, and are available by reservation for photographers seeking a historic New England backdrop for portraits.