New whats

Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at Smith's Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown, R.I. Some events require registration in advance. Please phone the business office, 401-294-3521, for details.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
6:30 p.m. at The North Kingston Free Library
Career of Att. Gen. Daniel Updike

He was the longest serving attorney general in Rhode Island history. He helped defend and expand Rhode Island’s boundaries. And he was a founder of the Rhode Island Bar and Newport’s Redwood Library. Yet, Daniel Updike’s name is unrecognized to most Rhode Islanders today, and his life work and many accomplishments have remained in the shadows. Dr. Catherine DeCesare of the University of Rhode Island has explored the vaults of the major archives of the state to uncover both the public and private case work of Daniel Updike (c1693-1757). On Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30pm, she will discuss Updike’s pervasive legal career and his contributions in bringing the colony of Rhode Island into the mainstream of the British Atlantic world.

Saturday 15, 2013
(rain date June 16)
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Strawberry Festival

Savor Smith’s Castle’s celebrated strawberry shortcake and pay homage to the humble wild strawberry—a favorite of the early colonists and the native Narragansett. Enjoy a day filled with fun family entertainment.

Third Annual Smith's Castle Open Golf Tournament
Monday 9, 2013
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Tee Off 8:30 a.m.

At the North Kingstown Golf Course
Sponsorships, Registration form and more detail
Or call Bob Verdi at (401)294-8242
or Bob Stone at (401)885-4110

Saturday 19, 2013
(rain date October 20)
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Colonial Harvest Festival

Spend an autumn day on the banks of scenic Mill Cove at Smith's Castle savoring seasonal treats and experiencing 18th century life on an authentic South County plantation homestead. This community event will be filled with family fun, crafts, entertainment and food, including homemade apple crisp, a delicious fall treat.
Admission is $6 for age 13+; $2 for children 6-12, and under 6 are free. As always, Castle Members enter free. For more information, call 401-294-3521 or e-mail smithscastle@earthlink.net

Saturday 2, 2013
Noon - 4:00 p.m.
What's It Worth Appraisal Day

Have your item(s) appraised by thirty year appraiser Daniel Buck Soules (also, an independent appraiser on the PBS Antiques Road Show over eleven years).
$10 per item, 3 items for maximum for $25
(Members receive a one item free appraisal)
For more information and to register for a time slot, contact: Smith's Castle's Office at:(401) 294-3521 or e-mail us at: smithscastle@earthlink.net

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8, 2013
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Christmas at the Castle

This year's theme: The History of the Christmas Tree
The halls of Smith's Castle are decked in period fashion for a celebration of Christmas past. Enjoy live music from an earlier era. Bring your camera and catch a photo with Father Christmas and Santa Bob.
Nibble on complimentary cookies and sip hot mulled cider.
Baked Sale table
Adults 13 and up - $5
Children 6 to 12 - $2
Members & Children under 6 - free

PAST EVENTS

Saturday & Sunday, May 4 - 5, 2013
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Opening Weekend - Bridge to the Past

The 17th century era of the Cocumscussoc trading posts of Richard Smith and Roger Williams is recalled. Re-enactors and sutlers from around the region lend an air of authenticity to the festivities.

Saturday 26, 2013
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cocumscussoc Association Annual Meeting
At the North Kingstown Free Library
100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2, 2012
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Christmas at the Castle

This year's theme: The History of the Christmas Tree
The halls of Smith's Castle are decked in period fashion for a celebration of Christmas past. Enjoy live music from an earlier era. Bring your camera and catch a photo with Father Christmas and Santa Bob.
Nibble on complimentary cookies and sip hot mulled cider.
Baked Sale table
Adults 13 and up - $5
Children 6 to 12 - $2
Members & Children under 6 - free

Saturday 3, 2012
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
What's It Worth? returns to Smith's Castle

Have your item(s) appraised by thirty year appraiser Daniel Buck Soules (also, an independent appraiser on the PBS Antiques Road Show over eleven years).
$10 per item,
3 item for maximum for $25 (Members receive a one item free appraisal)
For more information and to register for a time lot, contact: Smith's Castle's Office at:(401) 294-3521 or e-mail us at: smithscastle@earthlink.net

Saturday 13, 2012
(rain date October 14)
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Colonial Harvest Festival

Spend an autumn day on the banks of scenic Mill Cove at Smith's Castle savoring seasonal treats and experiencing 18th century life on an authentic South County plantation homestead. This community event will be filled with family fun, crafts, entertainment and food, including homemade apple crisp, a delicious fall treat.
Admission is $6 for age 13+; $2 for children 6-12, and under 6 are free. As always, Castle Members enter free. For more information, call 401-294-3521 or e-mail smithscastle@earthlink.net

Second Annual Smith's Castle Open Golf Tournament
Monday 17, 2012
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Tee Off 8:30 a.m.

At the North Kingstown Golf Course
Sponsorships, Registration form and more detail
Or call Bob Verdi at (401)294-8242
or Bob Stone at (401)885-4110

Saturdays 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2012
Noon-4:30
PIRATES: Against All Flags Exhibit
PIRATES! Against All Flags focuses on the pirates of the Red Sea trade that were common in New England from about 1690 to 1720. Neal Kirk, aka Captain William Kidd, founder/commander of Free Men Of the Sea, a pirate living-history reenactment group, will display his exhibit of original and reproduction artifacts to depict the reality and myths about the Golden Age of Piracy. Come get a glimpse into the fact and folklore of the pirates of long ago. View a variety of period weapons, an array of pirate flags, period coins, examples of what treasure pirates really sought, pirate books and movie costumes, types of punishments, and other piratical paraphernalia. If you love things piratical, you’ll enjoy this exhibit. Admission: $8 adults, $3 children 6-12, Free for children under 6 and Smith's Castle members. (401) 294-3521

Saturday 25, 2012
2:00-4:30
A Gathering of Scoundrels: A Celebration of Mariners, Pirates and Privateers and their Sea Shanties
This event will be all about Pirates and mariners and the craft, music and merriment of that time in history. The Castle will abound with pirate and mariner re-enactors and some of New England's finest maritime musicians. There will be a maritime music festival like no other at Smith's Castle on Saturday. People will gather on the front lawn of the Castle over looking beautiful Mill Cove and Rabbit Island. Re-enactors and musicians are: Rick Spencer, Barnacle, Patchy Cauveens and Free Men of the sea. Master of ceremony is Colonial Governor Samuel Cranston portrayed by Tim Cranston. This event is sponsored by the North Kingstown Arts Council.
Admission to the outdoor activities is FREE.
Admission to the indoor PIRATES! Exhibit is $8 adults, $3 children 6-12, and FREE for children under 6 and Smith's Castle members. (401) 294-3521.

Saturday 16, 2012
(rain date June 17)
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Strawberry Festival

Savor Smith’s Castle’s celebrated strawberry shortcake and pay homage to the humble wild strawberry—a favorite of the early colonists and the native Narragansett. Enjoy a day filled with fun family entertainment.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Lecture by James Wermuth, John Clarke Society
At the North Kingstown Free Library
100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI
John Clarke and the Charter of 1663
Dr. John Clarke was one of the founding fathers of Rhode Island. The highlight of his contributions was his authorship of the 1663 Charter of Rhode Island, the most liberal charter granted by England during the colonial era. In this talk on Wednesday, May 16, at 6:30, James Wermuth, Executive Director of the John Clarke Society, will examine Clarke’s formative years, his authorship of the Charter, and the lasting importance of this document.
This event will be held at the North Kingstown Free Library. Please register for this program by calling the NKFL at 294-3306 or register online.

Saturday, May 5, 2012 - Noon-4:00 p.m.
Sunday May 6, 2012 - Noon-2:00 p.m.
Archeologist for a Day

If you’ve been an armchair archaeologist all your life, here’s your chance to get out of the recliner and into the test pit. During Bridge to the Past weekend, Colin Porter, a doctoral candidate at Brown University and a member of Smith’s Castle’s site committee, will oversee a community archaeology project.

Saturday & Sunday, May 5 - 6, 2012
Noon-4:00 p.m.
Opening Weekend - Bridge to the Past

The 17th century era of the Cocumscussoc trading posts of Richard Smith and Roger Williams is recalled. Re-enactors and sutlers from around the region lend an air of authenticity to the festivities. Presented in collaboration with the Roger Williams National Memorial.

Saturday 18, 2012
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Lecture: Documenting Slavery at Cocumscussoc
This presentation forms the basis for a grant proposal to find additional information to provide a more informed picture of the lives of enslaved and indentured laborers at Cocumscussoc, as well as of the Smith/Updike family's roles in the institution of slavery.
At the North Kingstown Free Library
100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI

Sunday 5, 2012
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Day
At the Castle

Tuesday, April 12, 2011
6:30-7:30 pm
URI Master Gardeners Lecture Series 1
“Correcting Winter Damage to Trees & Shrubs & Other Pruning Problems.”
After a winter full of snow, ice and wind our trees and shrubs have suffered. Jeff Rossi will present the proper way to prune the damaged branches.

Saturday, April 16, 2011
9:00 am
Outdoor Spring Clean-Up
Join your friends and our local community as we spruce up the grounds of Smith’s Castle to get ready for opening day. Coffee and doughnuts will be set out to welcome our helpers. Tasks will include general yard work, picking up fallen branches, and raking leaves for example, as well as some small handyman chores if that is your more to your liking! If you have a rake or other favorite tools, bring them along, as well as your gloves. Trucks also welcome!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011
6:30-7:30 pm
URI Master Gardeners Lecture Series 2
“Black Gold: Compost and Worms are Worth Their Weight in Gold.”
Claire Chenevert & Earle Perkins team up to present the “how to” on backyard composting. Talk will include types of compost bins, what to compost, and a show and tell on using red-wiggler worm castings for fertilizer.

Saturday, April 23, 2011
8:30am/10:00 am
Indoor Spring Clean-Up
Help get the interior of the Castle ready for visitors. The work will start at 8:30am as we change out storm windows for screens and wash the windows. Starting at 10:00, another group of volunteers will start cleaning the rooms, including dusting and vacuuming all surfaces. The Castle will supply all tools and cleaning supplies … as well as coffee and donuts to jump start the morning.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
6:30-7:30 pm
URI Master Gardeners Lecture Series 3
“Opening Up the Garden for Spring.”
The URI Master Gardeners’ team of volunteers at Smith’s Castle will offer a to-do list of early spring tasks in the garden and helpful tips for keeping your garden growing well all season.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:30 p.m.
Learn about Nipsachuck Battlefield in King Philip’s War
At the North Kingstown Free Library
100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI
Doug Harris and Paul Robinson will provide a presentation and discuss their research into Nipsachuck, a place in northern Rhode Island of enduring ceremonial importance to Indian people, where two major conflicts took place during the King Philip’s War, 1675-1676. Their research is assisted by a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program at the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior. Doug Harris is Preservationist for Ceremonial Landscapes in the Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Paul Robinson is the Principal Archaeologist at the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Rhode Island College.

		Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at Smith's Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown, R.I. Some events require registration in advance. Please phone the business office, 401-294-3521, for details.

		Wednesday, May 22, 2013 6:30 p.m. at The North Kingston Free Library Career of Att. Gen. Daniel Updike He was the longest serving attorney general in Rhode Island history. He helped defend and expand Rhode Island’s boundaries. And he was a founder of the Rhode Island Bar and Newport’s Redwood Library. Yet, Daniel Updike’s name is unrecognized to most Rhode Islanders today, and his life work and many accomplishments have remained in the shadows. Dr. Catherine DeCesare of the University of Rhode Island has explored the vaults of the major archives of the state to uncover both the public and private case work of Daniel Updike (c1693-1757). On Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30pm, she will discuss Updike’s pervasive legal career and his contributions in bringing the colony of Rhode Island into the mainstream of the British Atlantic world.


		Saturday 15, 2013 (rain date June 16) Noon-4:00 p.m. Strawberry Festival Savor Smith’s Castle’s celebrated strawberry shortcake and pay homage to the humble wild strawberry—a favorite of the early colonists and the native Narragansett. Enjoy a day filled with fun family entertainment.

		Third Annual Smith's Castle Open Golf Tournament Monday 9, 2013 Registration 7:30 a.m. Tee Off 8:30 a.m. At the North Kingstown Golf Course Sponsorships, Registration form and more detail Or call Bob Verdi at (401)294-8242 or Bob Stone at (401)885-4110

		Saturday 19, 2013 (rain date October 20) Noon-4:00 p.m. Colonial Harvest Festival Spend an autumn day on the banks of scenic Mill Cove at Smith's Castle savoring seasonal treats and experiencing 18th century life on an authentic South County plantation homestead. This community event will be filled with family fun, crafts, entertainment and food, including homemade apple crisp, a delicious fall treat. Admission is $6 for age 13+; $2 for children 6-12, and under 6 are free. As always, Castle Members enter free. For more information, call 401-294-3521 or e-mail smithscastle@earthlink.net

		Saturday 2, 2013 Noon - 4:00 p.m. What's It Worth Appraisal Day Have your item(s) appraised by thirty year appraiser Daniel Buck Soules (also, an independent appraiser on the PBS Antiques Road Show over eleven years). $10 per item, 3 items for maximum for $25 (Members receive a one item free appraisal) For more information and to register for a time slot, contact: Smith's Castle's Office at:(401) 294-3521 or e-mail us at: smithscastle@earthlink.net

		Saturday 7 & Sunday 8, 2013 Noon-4:00 p.m. Christmas at the Castle This year's theme: The History of the Christmas Tree The halls of Smith's Castle are decked in period fashion for a celebration of Christmas past. Enjoy live music from an earlier era. Bring your camera and catch a photo with Father Christmas and Santa Bob. Nibble on complimentary cookies and sip hot mulled cider. Baked Sale table Adults 13 and up - $5 Children 6 to 12 - $2 Members & Children under 6 - free
		PAST EVENTS

		Saturday & Sunday, May 4 - 5, 2013 Noon-4:00 p.m. Opening Weekend - Bridge to the Past The 17th century era of the Cocumscussoc trading posts of Richard Smith and Roger Williams is recalled. Re-enactors and sutlers from around the region lend an air of authenticity to the festivities.
		Saturday 26, 2013 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Cocumscussoc Association Annual Meeting At the North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI

		Saturday 1 & Sunday 2, 2012 Noon-4:00 p.m. Christmas at the Castle This year's theme: The History of the Christmas Tree The halls of Smith's Castle are decked in period fashion for a celebration of Christmas past. Enjoy live music from an earlier era. Bring your camera and catch a photo with Father Christmas and Santa Bob. Nibble on complimentary cookies and sip hot mulled cider. Baked Sale table Adults 13 and up - $5 Children 6 to 12 - $2 Members & Children under 6 - free

		Saturday 3, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. What's It Worth? returns to Smith's Castle Have your item(s) appraised by thirty year appraiser Daniel Buck Soules (also, an independent appraiser on the PBS Antiques Road Show over eleven years). $10 per item, 3 item for maximum for $25 (Members receive a one item free appraisal) For more information and to register for a time lot, contact: Smith's Castle's Office at:(401) 294-3521 or e-mail us at: smithscastle@earthlink.net

		Saturday 13, 2012 (rain date October 14) Noon-4:00 p.m. Colonial Harvest Festival Spend an autumn day on the banks of scenic Mill Cove at Smith's Castle savoring seasonal treats and experiencing 18th century life on an authentic South County plantation homestead. This community event will be filled with family fun, crafts, entertainment and food, including homemade apple crisp, a delicious fall treat. Admission is $6 for age 13+; $2 for children 6-12, and under 6 are free. As always, Castle Members enter free. For more information, call 401-294-3521 or e-mail smithscastle@earthlink.net

		Second Annual Smith's Castle Open Golf Tournament Monday 17, 2012 Registration 7:30 a.m. Tee Off 8:30 a.m. At the North Kingstown Golf Course Sponsorships, Registration form and more detail Or call Bob Verdi at (401)294-8242 or Bob Stone at (401)885-4110

		Saturdays 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2012 Noon-4:30 PIRATES: Against All Flags Exhibit PIRATES! Against All Flags focuses on the pirates of the Red Sea trade that were common in New England from about 1690 to 1720. Neal Kirk, aka Captain William Kidd, founder/commander of Free Men Of the Sea, a pirate living-history reenactment group, will display his exhibit of original and reproduction artifacts to depict the reality and myths about the Golden Age of Piracy. Come get a glimpse into the fact and folklore of the pirates of long ago. View a variety of period weapons, an array of pirate flags, period coins, examples of what treasure pirates really sought, pirate books and movie costumes, types of punishments, and other piratical paraphernalia. If you love things piratical, you’ll enjoy this exhibit. Admission: $8 adults, $3 children 6-12, Free for children under 6 and Smith's Castle members. (401) 294-3521

		Saturday 25, 2012 2:00-4:30 A Gathering of Scoundrels: A Celebration of Mariners, Pirates and Privateers and their Sea Shanties This event will be all about Pirates and mariners and the craft, music and merriment of that time in history. The Castle will abound with pirate and mariner re-enactors and some of New England's finest maritime musicians. There will be a maritime music festival like no other at Smith's Castle on Saturday. People will gather on the front lawn of the Castle over looking beautiful Mill Cove and Rabbit Island. Re-enactors and musicians are: Rick Spencer, Barnacle, Patchy Cauveens and Free Men of the sea. Master of ceremony is Colonial Governor Samuel Cranston portrayed by Tim Cranston. This event is sponsored by the North Kingstown Arts Council. Admission to the outdoor activities is FREE. Admission to the indoor PIRATES! Exhibit is $8 adults, $3 children 6-12, and FREE for children under 6 and Smith's Castle members. (401) 294-3521.

		Saturday 16, 2012 (rain date June 17) Noon-4:00 p.m. Strawberry Festival Savor Smith’s Castle’s celebrated strawberry shortcake and pay homage to the humble wild strawberry—a favorite of the early colonists and the native Narragansett. Enjoy a day filled with fun family entertainment.

		Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Lecture by James Wermuth, John Clarke Society At the North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI John Clarke and the Charter of 1663 Dr. John Clarke was one of the founding fathers of Rhode Island. The highlight of his contributions was his authorship of the 1663 Charter of Rhode Island, the most liberal charter granted by England during the colonial era. In this talk on Wednesday, May 16, at 6:30, James Wermuth, Executive Director of the John Clarke Society, will examine Clarke’s formative years, his authorship of the Charter, and the lasting importance of this document. This event will be held at the North Kingstown Free Library. Please register for this program by calling the NKFL at 294-3306 or register online.

		Saturday, May 5, 2012 - Noon-4:00 p.m. Sunday May 6, 2012 - Noon-2:00 p.m. Archeologist for a Day If you’ve been an armchair archaeologist all your life, here’s your chance to get out of the recliner and into the test pit. During Bridge to the Past weekend, Colin Porter, a doctoral candidate at Brown University and a member of Smith’s Castle’s site committee, will oversee a community archaeology project.

		Saturday & Sunday, May 5 - 6, 2012 Noon-4:00 p.m. Opening Weekend - Bridge to the Past The 17th century era of the Cocumscussoc trading posts of Richard Smith and Roger Williams is recalled. Re-enactors and sutlers from around the region lend an air of authenticity to the festivities. Presented in collaboration with the Roger Williams National Memorial.


		Saturday 18, 2012 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Lecture: Documenting Slavery at Cocumscussoc This presentation forms the basis for a grant proposal to find additional information to provide a more informed picture of the lives of enslaved and indentured laborers at Cocumscussoc, as well as of the Smith/Updike family's roles in the institution of slavery. At the North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI
		Sunday 5, 2012 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Volunteer Appreciation Day At the Castle
		Tuesday, April 12, 2011 6:30-7:30 pm URI Master Gardeners Lecture Series 1 “Correcting Winter Damage to Trees & Shrubs & Other Pruning Problems.” After a winter full of snow, ice and wind our trees and shrubs have suffered. Jeff Rossi will present the proper way to prune the damaged branches. Saturday, April 16, 2011 9:00 am Outdoor Spring Clean-Up Join your friends and our local community as we spruce up the grounds of Smith’s Castle to get ready for opening day. Coffee and doughnuts will be set out to welcome our helpers. Tasks will include general yard work, picking up fallen branches, and raking leaves for example, as well as some small handyman chores if that is your more to your liking! If you have a rake or other favorite tools, bring them along, as well as your gloves. Trucks also welcome! Tuesday, April 19, 2011 6:30-7:30 pm URI Master Gardeners Lecture Series 2 “Black Gold: Compost and Worms are Worth Their Weight in Gold.” Claire Chenevert & Earle Perkins team up to present the “how to” on backyard composting. Talk will include types of compost bins, what to compost, and a show and tell on using red-wiggler worm castings for fertilizer. Saturday, April 23, 2011 8:30am/10:00 am Indoor Spring Clean-Up Help get the interior of the Castle ready for visitors. The work will start at 8:30am as we change out storm windows for screens and wash the windows. Starting at 10:00, another group of volunteers will start cleaning the rooms, including dusting and vacuuming all surfaces. The Castle will supply all tools and cleaning supplies … as well as coffee and donuts to jump start the morning. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 6:30-7:30 pm URI Master Gardeners Lecture Series 3 “Opening Up the Garden for Spring.” The URI Master Gardeners’ team of volunteers at Smith’s Castle will offer a to-do list of early spring tasks in the garden and helpful tips for keeping your garden growing well all season.

		Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:30 p.m. Learn about Nipsachuck Battlefield in King Philip’s War At the North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI Doug Harris and Paul Robinson will provide a presentation and discuss their research into Nipsachuck, a place in northern Rhode Island of enduring ceremonial importance to Indian people, where two major conflicts took place during the King Philip’s War, 1675-1676. Their research is assisted by a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program at the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior. Doug Harris is Preservationist for Ceremonial Landscapes in the Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Paul Robinson is the Principal Archaeologist at the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Rhode Island College.