Looking to take a step back in time? Visit the Hearthside House in Lincoln, a historic federal-style house built by Stephen Hopkins Smith in 1810. Come visit a unique 2 1/2 story house with a gable roof and impressive ogee curves directly above beautiful circular attic windows.
According to popular folklore, Smith, a Quaker, used his $40,000 lottery winnings (the equivalent of almost $800,000 today) to build a house to win over a young socialite from Providence. On a buggy ride along the Great Road, the young woman exclaimed, “Why, what a beautiful house, but who would ever want to live way out here in the wilderness?” Heartbroken, Smith brought the young lady back to Providence. He never married, lived in the house, or spoke of it again.
The name of the house originated in the early 20th century when it was home to the nationally-renowned hand-weaving business “The Hearthside Looms.” In 2001, a group of citizens formed “Friends of Hearthside”,” a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to serve as stewards of the house and help preserve the property. The Friends of Hearthside places high value on the enhancement and protection of the community’s quality of life.
Hearthside is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Great Road Historic District. To ensure preservation standards are properly followed in any restoration work, Friends of Hearthside works closely with the RI Historical Preservation Commission. Restoring and repairing this home is completed with great care for its historical integrity and preservation for future generations.
Now an award-winning museum, Hearthside House is open between March and December for guided tours and historically-themed events and exhibits. The majority of Hearthside’s collections are donations and loans, as the eleven different owners over the history of the house left behind no original furnishings. The house represents a rich and diverse history, telling the stories of the many different families who lived there over the past 200 years. Step into past decades and experience interpreters dressed in period attire sounds from the Edison phonograph, the smell of bread baking, and the warmth of this enchanting home.
Friends of Hearthside is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021! Come learn about the captivating stories about the families who called this beautiful place home.
Hearthside House
677 Great Road,
Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 726-0597
