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Community Corner

The Pirates are Coming! to the Smith-Appleby House

The pirates are coming! The pirates are coming! — to the Smith-Appleby House in Smithfield, RI, in a special event on the afternoon of Saturday, March 15, courtesy of the Rhode Island Pirate Players (RIPP).

Encamped outside the house, and dressed and in character as 17th-Century pirates, members of the RIPP will educate visitors with demonstrations about what life was really like for pirates and privateers 300 years ago — as well as entertain guests with rousing sea shanties and even an occasional duel. Over the past seven years, the players have lectured at schools and libraries, and have done living history encampments at historical sites from Maine to Florida. By adopting the language, manners, and clothing of the Golden Age of Piracy, volunteer members portray a balanced picture of sea rovers, their associates, enemies, and victims. 

Also throughout the afternoon, volunteers from the Historical Society of Smithfield, portraying Colonial-era characters, will lead guided tours of the historic Smith-Appleby House – originally built in 1696 by Elisha Smith, the grandson of one of the six men who settled Rhode Island after expulsion with Roger Williams from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Expanded from its original construction as a one-room stone-ender cottage, the delicately restored 12-room farmhouse features beautiful cabinet work, varied designs and original stencils, and furnished rooms showcasing an intriguing antique collection. 

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“The Pirates are Coming – to the Smith-Appleby House,” takes place on Saturday, March 15, 2014, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per adult, and children 12 and under are free. The Smith-Appleby House is located at 220 Stillwater Road in Smithfield, RI, just off I-295. In case of inclement weather, check for cancellation information on the website at http://smithapplebyhouse.org/calendar, or call 401-231-7363.

The historic Smith-Appleby House is operated by the Historical Society of Smithfield, RI, as a living Museum hosting a variety of educational activities, programs, and events throughout the year. Group tours are available for schools, scouts, and other community organizations. The House and property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are also available to rent for private events. For more information, visit http://smithapplebyhouse.org.

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