250 Ignition: Open House at Westerly’s Home of Revolutionary History

It’s 250 Ignition at the Babcock Smith House Museum. This event brings the past out of the textbooks and into a real space you can walk through. The 1734 home becomes a window into the era surrounding Rhode Island’s Renunciation Act—an early step toward independence that came before the Declaration itself.

Inside, visitors can explore original documents, including Joshua Babcock’s will and estate inventory, along with letters from Benjamin Franklin that offer a rare, personal glimpse into the time. Period furniture fills the rooms, giving a sense of how life looked and felt in the 18th century, while small details help connect the bigger story of a colony moving toward independence.

It’s not just for history buffs. The event is designed for all ages, with games and toys for children, adding a hands-on element that makes the experience feel accessible and alive. Whether you’re there to dive into the details or just curious to see a piece of Revolutionary-era life up close, it’s an easy way to connect with a pivotal moment in American history right where it happened.