Hearthside Museum 250th Lecture Series Kicks Off with “The Implements of War" on June 14
As part of its ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Great Road Heritage Campus will launch a special series of presentations exploring aspects of the nation’s founding era. The first program, “The Implements of War,” occurs on Sunday, June 14, which is Flag Day. It will be presented by noted antique arms historian and collector Stuart C. Mowbray at 1:30 p.m. under the tent at Hearthside House Museum.
Mowbray’s connection to Hearthside is both professional and personal. As a child, he was the youngest member of the last family to reside in the historic house before it was purchased by the town and became a museum. Today, he is recognized internationally as an authority on antique weapons, having authored more than 200 books and articles on the subject. He also serves as editor of Gun and Sword Collector magazine, founded by his father, renowned historic arms collector and publisher E. Andrew Mowbray.
The Implements of War presentation will feature selected items from the Revolutionary period that are from Mowbray’s extensive collection, several of which are displayed in the museum as part of the current exhibit and were also once displayed at Hearthside as part of his father’s sword and gun collection. During his talk, Mowbray will share his unique stories of growing up surrounded by these antiques with such a remarkable history. Attendees will also learn the fascinating origins of the antique cannon prominently displayed on the museum’s front lawn.
The presentation complements the current exhibit, “We the People, A Journey Though Great Road’s History and Legacy” which is part of America 250 presentations hosted by the Great Road Heritage Campus, offering unique perspectives on local people, events, and objects that shaped the nation’s history. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the exhibit before the presentation through an early opening of the museum and again following the program. The hours of the exhibit run from 12 noon-4:00 pm, with last entry at 3:15 pm.
Visitors are encouraged to take the opportunity to visit the other Great Road Heritage Campus sites as well. Tours are offered at the Moffett Mill, built in 1812. The mill is a rare relic from the early industrial revolution and is frozen in time now as a museum with all equipment still in place as it once was. Access to the Mill is through shuttle service only, leaving from Hearthside for tours at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm. Admission is included with exhibit ticket or paid separately. Parking and check in at Hearthside.
Demonstrations of hand forging also take place at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop at the entrance to Chase Farm Park.
Flag Day at the Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse features a one-day exhibit and a special guest for the occasion. Betsy Ross, who was the legendary seamstress credited with sewing the first United States flag, will greet visitors outside the one-room schoolhouse. Inside the schoolroom will be a display of historic flags from President Roosevelt’s time, World War II, and several others. In honor of the nation’s 250th, a reproduction of a flag from the 2nd RI Regiment will be featured along with a re-enactor, Kirk Hindman, in period attire and carrying an original musket from the Revolution.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Hearthside exhibit, visit greatroadheritagecampus.org. The fee for the exhibit is $15 and includes the presentation, as well as admission to the other sites at the Great Road Heritage Campus. Admission to attend only the Implements of War presentation is $8. For questions, contact [email protected] or call (401) 726-0597.
About the Great Road Heritage Campus
The Great Road Heritage Campus preserves and interprets the rich history of northern Rhode Island through its collection of historic structures, exhibits, educational programs, and community events. The campus includes the nationally recognized Hearthside House Museum, the Pullen’s Corner School House, The Hannaway Blacksmith Shop and the Moffett Mill, all serving as a center for exploring local, state, and national history. The sites are being preserved and managed by the all-volunteer nonprofit organization Friends of Hearthside.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3680262-0
