On Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6, from noon until 4pm, Smith’s Castle will host its annual Bridge to the Past, a 17th century encampment, with the help of reenactors from across southern New England. Smith’s Castle’s Bridge to the Past opening day celebration is a two-day family-friendly historical reenactment cosponsored with the Roger Williams National Memorial. The event recreates the atmosphere of the 17th century trading houses of Richard Smith and Rhode Island founder Roger Williams, as reenactors and Smith’s Castle docents demonstrate life at Cocumscussoc, the first English settlement in South County. Reenactors representing 17th century colonial militia groups as well as Revolutionary War patriots and loyalists will demonstrate colonial activities, with typical drills of the period occurring throughout the weekend. Costumed interpreters will be on hand to demonstrate colonial crafts and cooking. The first floor of the house, including the gift shop, will be open and staffed by interpreters so visitors can learn about the site’s history and architecture. Visitors will also be able to view ongoing archaeology at the Cocumscussoc Archaeological Site (see next item). Entertainment will include sea shanties performed by Free Men of the Sea, and period music for Maypole dancing by Mary King. Both Free Men of the Sea and the Rhode Island Pirate Players will demonstrate aspects of the lifestyles of local pirates and privateers. Casey Farm will host a children's area where the public can participate in games common to the colonial era. Castle volunteers will demonstrate “conkers,” an old English game played with chestnuts. Food of the 17th and 18th centuries will be featured through johnnycake-making demonstrations presented by Kenyon's Corn Meal. A bake sale will showcase present-day items that had their roots in the colonial kitchens, including sugar cookies, gingersnaps, gingerbread, hermits, and fruit tarts. (Watch our next e- Chronicle for details on donating baked goods.) Paranormal investigators, G.H.O.S.T., will display equipment used in paranormal studies and share photos and videos of sites they have investigated, including Smith’s Castle. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for ages 6-12, with an admission cap of $15 per family. As always, Smith’s Castle members enter for free.
