Smith's Castle Tours

Guided House Tours

Experience the history of the house with our docents in period clothing.

Tour Season

  • May, September & October: Saturday and Sunday
  • June – August: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Tour Times

Guided tours begin hourly at noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.

Admission

  • Adults: $10
  • Seniors & Military: $8
  • Children 6–12: $5
  • Children 5 & under: Free

Please note that self-guided house tours are not available.

Smiths castle - Marilyn Harris docent

Specialty Tours

These tours are arranged by appointment, so please call the office 401-294-3521 for scheduling. We have historians giving these tours and they are very sought after!

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The Lost Voices Tour at America’s oldest surviving Plantation House

Discover the powerful stories of the dozens of enslaved people who lived and worked at the Smith/Updike Plantation for over 150 years. This engaging tour features important artifacts dating back to the 1700s that help bring these vital histories to light. Must be booked in advance.

Plan a Group Visit

We love hosting large groups and bus tours! To ensure the best experience for your group, please call the office at 401-294-3521 to book your visit in advance

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Student/Youth Group Tours

Trained docents in colonial attire bring history alive for students and youth groups offering age- appropriate, standards based tours and trunk shows..

Student Tours:

  • Accommodates up to 60 children in groups of no more than 10, rotating through docent-staffed rooms.
  • Recommended visit time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Some optional hands-on activities include wool carding, handling pelts, corn grinding, and trying on water yokes/buckets.
  • Programming is adjusted for disabilities, such as providing a video tour for those unable to climb stairs.

Trunk Shows (Offsite):

  • Docents can travel to classrooms or meeting locations.
  • Shows are customized and include transportable items such as models of the wetu and Castle, wampum beads, pelts, corn, and carders.

Grant Opportunity (South County Elementary Schools):

  • Funding from the Horace A. Kimball and S. Ella Kimball Foundation may cover transportation and admission costs up to $400.00 per school.
  • Eligibility requires checking the box on the form and submitting a cost estimate letter from the bus company or school official.

Booking:

  • A request form must be sent in one month in advance of the tour date.
  • Download and submit the School Group Contract via mail or email.

Lesson Plans and Primary Source Documents

Absolutely Free (PDF)

A Name of My Own (PDF)

The Prince of Smiths Castle (PDF)

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