Feb 3, 2023

Dear HistWick members and friends,

Today’s E-News reports on several important happenings that will likely interest you. I am appreciative of our dedicated board members, and several HistWick members at-large, for their efforts on these. Thank you!

And . . . have you heard? Wickford is again in competition for the Best Historic Small Town in America (USA Today’s annual competition). We won last year and want to win again. Your dedicated daily voting (and you can vote several times daily using different computer devices) resulted in the town’s 2022 win! We can do it again—so start voting (link below) if you haven’t already! Please vote daily and make it your daily routine.

Several HistWick board members attended the January 23rd North Kingstown Town Council meeting at which HistWick donated five appropriately framed Historic Wickford Walk original paintings. These will enhance the interior of our 1888 town hall. A shout-out to board members Mike Donohue and Nancy Gauthier for leading this effort. And below you’ll find a reminder about Tim Cranston’s (another board member) talk at St. Paul’s this Saturday.

Stay warm through the cold blast on its way,

Mary Ann Hackett, President

Historic Wickford, Inc.

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VOTE TODAY—and everyday until February 20!  The nomination as the “Best Historic Small Town” in America in 2023 by the editors of USA TODAY, calls us all to action to vote every day! Please help by sharing the good news (and the link) with family and friends and encourage them to vote daily too! Wickford can win this prestigious award for a second consecutive year if we all remember to vote each day! Use the link below to access the page. Scroll down to click the vote box below the aerial photo of Wickford.

https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-historic-small-town/wickford-rhode-island/

Tim Cranston Talk: St. Paul’s Stained Glass Windows

Saturday February 4, 1 pm

St. Paul’s Church, 55 Main Street, Wickford

HistWick proudly sponsors Tim Cranston (HistWick advisor and local historian) to lead an informative talk about the unique and beautiful stained glass windows of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. According to numerous stained glass window experts, Wickford’s St. Paul’s possesses one of the finest collections of windows of any small church in the region. Tim will share the stories behind these beautiful and sacred works of art and the people they memorialize.

Important Tax Exemption Information 

North Kingstown Properties

     Flat Senior Tax Exemption: North Kingstown

The application below is for the Flat Senior Exemption of $30,000 off of the assessed value of the qualifying parcel. Requirements are: 1). must be a legal resident, own and occupy property in the Town of North Kingstown for a minimum of 15 year as of the preceding date of assessment (December 31st) and 2). must apply on or before March 15th in the year this exemption is to take effect. Use this link to access the application:

https://www.northkingstownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5526/Flat-Senior-Exemption?bidId=

Homestead Tax Exemption

This new exemption last year is in addition to any exemptions you are already receiving, including the Flat Senior (described above). You must be property owner on record as of 12/31 in the prior year to be eligible for the exemption that applies to your primary residence. You must provide 3 of the 5 required documents to prove residency. Please note: This is a one-time application and remains on your property until it is sold or you move to another North Kingstown residence. So the good news is that if you applied last year, no need to apply again.

For more information and the application, use this link:

https://www.northkingstownri.gov/851/HOMESTEAD-APPLICATION

SAVE THE DATE

Wickford in Bloom: Historic Home and Garden Tour

Saturday and Sunday June 24 and 25

Historic Wickford Village

A small group of HistWick board and members-at-large are planning what will certainly be a spectacular HistWick-sponsored tour that attracts people near and far. We appreciate the homeowners who have generously and graciously agreed to showcase their garden or historic home and the planning committee members who will devote countless hours to ensure the tour’s success. Thank you! More details to come, but mark your calendars now.

Sept 14, 2022

Friends and HistWick members,
This E-News offers several historically significant activities that we are sure you will enjoy. Most noteworthy is the completion and ribbon cutting dedication of Old Town Hall that will take place this coming Monday–see below for details.

Also, HistWick will be a sponsor of the October 13 Harbor Lights event. Please join us to enjoy the beauty and a little history of the harbor.

My best to all,
Mary Ann Hackett, President
Historic Wickford

Explore our website: www.HistWick.org
__________________________________
Recognition Day for Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA)
Friday, September 16
To mark POW/MIA Recognition Day, members of the North Kingstown Parades Committee will place U.S. and POW/MIA flags at Anchor Park located behind the former Walgreens in Wickford Village. They will also display flags at Veterans Memorial Park across from the Historic Town Hall on Boston Neck Road. On the 16th please take a moment to remember and appreciate those who served our nation in wartime and were POWs or MIAs.

Historic Town Hall: Grand Re-opening
Monday, September 19, 5:30 pm
80 Boston Neck Road, NK
North Kingstown’s c.1888 Town Hall has a new and impressive look with the $1.5 million dollar restoration of the 4,800 square foot (sf) two-story original building and the construction of a 2,600 sf new addition. Its dedication will take place outdoors, weather permitting, this coming Monday. After a brief program of speakers, followed by ribbon cutting, attendees can tour Town Hall’s interior. The building offers town council chambers, meeting space, and offices for the town’s division of parks and recreation staff. Congratulations to town officials and the architects for effectively marrying the historic structure with a new and accessible modern addition. We can now be proud of our historic town hall with its substantial granite steps that lead to the elegant, arched brick main entrance. Join us for its dedication.

Legendary Lighthouse Keeper of Lime Rock
Thursday, September 22, 6 pm
Smith’s Castle 
Over the space of 46 years, Ida Lewis, called the “Bravest Woman in America”,  faithfully kept the lamp lit at Lime Rock Light Station and rescued as many as 36 people from drowning. Hear her story as told by Brian Wallin, Historian. Weather permitting the event will take place outdoors (bring your lawn chair); the presentation will move indoors if weather conditions warrant. $5 suggested donation.

Treasures from the Library’s South County Room
Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 am
North Kingstown Free Library, 199 Boone Street, NK
HistWick and the North Kingstown Free Library (NKFL) will feature Tom Frawley, Reference and Nonfiction Coordinator, and Tim Cranston, local Historian and HistWick advisor as they delve into the historic collection of treasures in the library’s South County Room. The room’s artifacts and pictures will come alive with Tom and Tim’s telling of stories and recounting of the pieces’ history. The event is limited to 50 people, so please pre-register at: https://nklibrary.libcal.com/event/9680879

THE MASHANTUCKET (WESTERN) PEQUOT WOMEN
October 8 through May 27, 2023
Mashantucket Pequot Museum 
10 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, Connecticut 
The Indigenous Peoples Project will feature indigenous cultural expression on canvas to present a vibrant story of antiquity and resilience. The Pequot Women Exhibition exemplifies the spirited determination, vibrant character, and resilient fortitude of the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot women in both a traditional and contemporary nature. The exhibit will feature the work of Angel Smith, an artist who provided an illustration for HistWick’s award-winning Historic Marker project.

For more information: [email protected] or call 860-396-6910.

Please note: Wickford Village harvest decorations will be available soon. We’ll provide details for purchasing mums and cornstalks in our next HistWick E-News.

July 28, 2022

Friends and fellow HistWick members,

This HistWick E-News offers several upcoming events. Most notable are tours that the community and visitors can enjoy in the beautifully restored Old Narragansett Church. The church was featured by USA Today in the recent competition that Wickford won for the Best Small Historic Town in the nation.

We also look forward to seeing the interior of Old Town Hall on Boston Neck Road. The restoration and construction are nearly complete (walk or drive by); it is stunning–a nice marriage of the old with the new construction.

With pride in our town,

Mary Ann Hackett, President

Historic Wickford, Inc,

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Tours of Old Narragansett Church 

Thursday thru Monday

11 am to 4 pm; Now thru Labor Day Weekend

60 Church Lane, Wickford

Old Narragansett Church, founded in 1707 south of Wickford and moved to the town in 1800, has been beautifully restored by its owner, the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. The Bishop in the Rhode Island Episcopal Diocese, Bishop Knisley, recently accepted a HistWick award and plaque for the restoration of the church. Believed to be the oldest Episcopal church in the Northeast, the church is offering the public docent-led tours now thru Labor Day, Thursday thru Monday, 11 am to 4 pm.  Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Docent volunteers are needed. If you are interested in serving as docent, please call 401-294-4357 and leave a message for Ruth Ann Lewis via Donna Feeley, St. Paul’s Church administrator. Volunteers will receive relevant training.

Queen Anne Service. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Wickford assists with the care and maintenance of Old Narragansett Church and sometimes worships at the site. On Sunday August 7 at 9 am in the historic church, St Paul’s will conduct the Queen Anne Service, a longstanding Wickford tradition. It commemorates the gift of silver by a fund established by Queen Anne (reign 1702-1714) to help the new colonial-era Anglican churches. Music is provided by a foot-pumped 17th century organ with wooden pipes. All are welcome to attend; please note that the church has no air conditioning;

Smith’s Castle Events

Breakfast Talk

Saturday, July 30, 10 am

5 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown

Join Robert Geake, Rhode Island Historian and Cocumscossoc Assn. President as he shares the adventures and trials of 18^th century travelers as revealed in their personal journals. Coffee and light breakfast fare served. $5 donation requested.

Breakfast Talk at the Castle

Saturday August 13, 10 am

5 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown

At this breakfast talk, hear stories about colonial enslaved men who enlisted in the Black Regiment of Rhode Island to gain their freedom. Coffee and light breakfast fare served. $5 donation requested

Reminder 

NK Chamber of Commerce Event

Savor the Sunset

Wednesday, August 3^rd, 5:30 to 8 pm

Hopelands on the Bay; Campus of Rocky Hill Country Day School

Wampanoag Road, Warwick

Savor the Sunset on the beautiful bay as you enjoy fabulous food and drink from local restaurants and craft breweries and distilleries! You can also join lawn games, listen to live music, and be photographed in a photo booth.

The Chamber’s growing list of participants includes: American Mussel Harvesters (Oyster Shucking Bar & Steamed Mussels); Alma’s Juice Bar & Market;  Back 40; Black Oak; Bayberry Garden; Carriage Inn; Exeter Job Corps; Union & Main; Grey Sail Brewing; Gooseneck Vineyards; Shaidzon Brewing; Sons of Liberty Distillery; Whalers Brewing; and Del’s Lemonade. A portion of the proceeds benefits

the VFW Post 152! Tickets: $45

www.northkingstown.com

July 19, 2022

Hello HistWick members and friends,

This HistWick E-News calls your attention to several very popular upcoming events. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, in September Plum Beach Garden Club will host its always sellout luncheon. See details in this email and the attached invitation. Register soon.

Smith’s Castle makes a significant contribution to expanding our knowledge and appreciation of local history. As such HistWick works closely with the Castle to promote their activities.Don’t miss an opportunity to experience it this summer.

On the attached promotional from the town’s Merchants Association, you’ll find the dates for the August and September Harbor Lights. This Wickford event’s success continues to grow, attracting locals and folks from across the state and beyond.

Enjoy,

Mary Ann Hackett

President, Historic Wickford, Inc.

Plum Beach Garden Club Luncheon

Thursday, September 15, 11:30 to 2:30 pm

The Dunes Club, 137 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett

Autumn Inspirations, the Plum Beach Garden Club 2022 Luncheon, features Sarah Boynton, an award-winning national and international botanical arts and floral designer. Sarah will demonstrate making seasonally appropriate designs and step-by-step arrangement elements and techniques. Her creations will inspire you for decorating for the upcoming fall and winter holiday seasons. Her stunning botanical arts jewelry will be on display. The event offers a delicious lunch followed by the always-popular, action-packed raffle of creative items artistically designed and displayed by its club members. Please reserve early; seating is limited. Tickets require advanced purchase and cost $60. Make checks payable to PBGC; mail to Becky Dower, 35 Ipswich Blvd, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. Include your name, email, and phone and the checks and information of guests that want to sit together. Sitting together at an assigned table requires a group reservation. For more information go to:   https://www.plumbeachgardenclub.org     or click on the PDF below Harbor Lights’s poster:

Smith’s Castle Breakfast Talk

Saturday, July 30, 10 to 11:30 am

Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown

Join Robert Geake, Rhode Island Historian, Author and President of the Cocumscossoc Association as he shares the adventures and trials of 18^th century travelers as revealed in their personal journals. Enjoy coffee and light breakfast fare at the event. A $5 donation is requested. https://www.smithscastle.org

Wickford Harbor Lights

Thursday August 11th 5-9 pm

Thursday September 8th 5-9 pm

June 29, 2022

Friends and HistWick members,

With the arrival of summer comes many community activities offered in our historic harborside town. Most notable is the ever popular, long standing (since 1962) Wickford Arts Festival at Wilson Park on the weekend of July 9^th and 10^th  and the Art Council’s Summer Concert Series on Tuesday evenings that we highlighted in our HistWick E-News on June 2^nd.  We call your attention to several other activities (below) with our hope to see you at a couple of them.

My best to all,

Mary Ann Hackett, President

Historic Wickford, Inc.

____________________________________________________________________

Festooning Wickford with Flags to Celebrate July 4^th

July 4^th, 8 am 

Meet at Updike Park 

The North Kingstown Parade Committee has issued a request for a few volunteers to place flags at designated spots in the village. With several volunteers the task takes only 30 to 40 minutes. And, if you could help collect the flags too that would be wonderful. More information about when the committee will organize the pick up will be shared with the volunteers on the 4th. Thank you.

Smith’s Castle Events–55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown

Breakfast at the Castle: Ask Roger 

Saturday, July 9^th, 10 am

Join John McNiff, Ranger of the Roger Williams National Memorial and Historic Interpreter as he shares memories of historical life in the character of Roger Williams. You can personally “ask Roger Williams” any question that has been on your mind about his life, experiences, and early colonial times. Enjoy coffee and light morning refreshments. A $5 donation is suggested.

and  more at the Castle . . .

Lectures on the Lawn

Monday, July 18^th, 6  to 7:30 pm

Loren Spears and Ted Widmer will discuss Roger Williams’ 1684 publication, A Key to Languages in America. Republished and available on Amazon, this book is one of the most important artifacts of early Indigenous culture in America that has historical, literary, political, and religious significance. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy this interesting discussion. $5 donation suggested

NK Chamber of Commerce Event

Savor the Sunset

Wednesday, August 3^rd, 5:30 to 8 pm

Hopelands on the Bay; Campus of Rocky Hill Country Day School

Wampanoag Road, Warwick

Savor the Sunset on the beautiful bay as you enjoy fabulous food and drink from local restaurants and craft breweries and distilleries! You can also join lawn games, listen to live music, and be photographed in a photo booth.

The Chamber’s growing list of participants includes: American Mussel Harvesters (Oyster Shucking Bar & Steamed Mussels); Alma’s Juice Bar & Market;  Back 40; Black Oak; Bayberry Garden; Carriage Inn; Exeter Job Corps; Union & Main; Grey Sail Brewing; Gooseneck Vineyards; Shaidzon Brewing; Sons of Liberty Distillery; Whalers Brewing; and Del’s Lemonade. A portion of the proceeds benefits

the VFW Post 152! Tickets: $35 per person ($45 after July 15).

www.northkingstown.com

Harbor Lights

Thursday, July 14^th, 6 to 9 pm

Wickford Village

Wickford Harbor Lights invites you, your family and friends to this very popular event. If you haven’t experienced Harbor Lights yet, you are missing a special treat! This year the event lights up the harbor with fires on floats—a mesmerizing sight for young and old and there’s food, fun and music for all. Folks in town and beyond are talking about how much fun it is to join the Harbor Lights festivities!

Go Fund Me page for the Lewis family

The HistWick board thanks Cam Lewis for his outreach at our recent HistWick annual meeting. The Lewis’ Ukrainian family is starting a new life in the U.S. and will benefit from your support. You can help this family by donating at the Go-Fund-Me page:

https://gofund.me/07e48a39

June 2, 2022

Friends and HistWick members,

As summer approaches Wickford offers so many opportunities for you, your family, and friends to take advantage of. Of foremost importance to our HistWick organization is our upcoming annual meeting. So members, and those interested in joining HistWick, please mark your calendars for this very popular event! We have lined up several interesting speakers.

Oh–and one last Call-Out! Have you noticed the new waste receptacles in town along Brown Street? HistWick donated several and worked with the town on their selection.

And please vote each day for Wickford. We are in second place for Best Historic Small Town. We can win if you vote!

See you around town,

Mary Ann Hackett, President

Historic Wickford, Inc.

___________________________________________________

2022 HistWick Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 16 (rain date, June 23), 5 pm 

Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown

The HistWick board cordially invites you to join us for the HistWick Annual Meeting. We will:

• meet on the impressive lawn of the historic Smith’s Castle for a sprightly social time with neighbors and new and old friends,
• review HistWick’s accomplishments and our upcoming goals,
• hear about what’s happening in the town and beyond, and
• enjoy great food and liquid refreshments.

Plan now to join us!

Vote for Wickford—Today and Every Day

USA Today Competition for Best Historic Small Town

We are now in second place and we have until Noon, June 6 to vote each day. So, please take a minute out of your day to vote for Wickford. You can also vote on multiple devices to register more than a single vote a day. We want to win; Wickford is a magical place.

The link to vote:

https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-historic-small-town-2022/wickford-rhode-island/

Wickford Harbor Lights 

Thursday, June 9, 6 – 9 pm 

Wickford Harbor Lights, sponsored by Rhode Island Beautiful Homes, invites you, your family and friends to Harbor Lights. This year Harbor Lights will light up the harbor with fires on floats—a mesmerizing sight for young and old! Food, fun and music for all. Folks around town are talking about how much fun it is to join the Harbor Lights festivities!

North Kingstown Parade Committee

Flag Day, June 14

Placing Flags in the Village: 6 to 7 pm

The North Kingstown Parade Committee is asking for help to place and/or pick up flags in Wickford Village on Tuesday, June 14 to celebrate Flag Day. We will meet at Updike Park at 8:30 am to festoon Wickford Village with 50 flags in designated spots for Flag Day’s annual commemoration. And you can also help later in the day by collecting the flags between 6 and 7 pm. If you are interested, please email me [email protected] or just show up. It takes a village!!!

Strawberry Festival 

Saturday June 18, Noon to 4 pm at Smith’s Castle

55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown

Smith’s Castle will host its Strawberry Festival, an annual celebration of spring on June 18 from Noon to 4 pm with a rain date of Sunday, June 19. Children’s activities feature puppeteer Dan Butterworth, pony rides, hand painting, crafts, and colonial games. Adults will enjoy entertainment by the Jesse Liam Band, tours of the Castle, walking the trails, viewing the colonial gardens, and visiting the booths of local vendors. Our famous strawberry shortcake and fresh strawberries will be available for purchase. Admission is $8 per adult; $6 for children and free under 5 years of age; military discount; $20.00 family cap. Admission covers all activities. For more information and our 2022 calendar, visit the Smith’s Castle website: www.smithscastle.org/upcomingevents

North Kingstown Arts Council 2022 Summer Concert Series

Tuesdays, 6:30 pm North Kingstown Town Beach, 10 Beach Street

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the concerts at the beach sponsored by the North Kingstown Arts Council. The concert series begins on Tuesday June 21 and will run weekly through August 30.

Schedule:
June 21, 2022 – Paula Clare Band (Old-school blues, R&B, soul)
June 28, 2022 –Take it to the Bridge (Classics to Current Tunes)
July 12, 2022 – Gov’s Own 88th Army Band (Big Band)
July 19, 2022 – Driftwoods (Beach Boys Tribute Band)
July 26, 2022 – Country Wild (Contemporary country)
Aug. 2, 2022  – Neal and Vipers (Blues, R&B)
Aug. 9, 2022  – Reminisce (Oldies)
Aug. 16, 2022 – Narrow River (Southern RI acoustic rock band)
Aug. 23, 2022 – Good Vibe Tribe (Classic Rock, Country & Oldies)
Aug. 30, 2022 – Brass Attack (Soul, rock, pop, Motown)

No parking at the beach after 5:30 pm, only drop offs allowed. A shuttle is available at the NK Town Hall – 100 Fairway Drive.

Please note that the concerts abide by current state Covid guidelines.

Concerts are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information and a list of Thursday Night Family Concerts visit:

www.NKArtsCouncil.org

The Wickford Art Association: Wickford Arts Festival 

Saturday and Sunday, July 9 – 10, 10 to 5 pm

Wilson Park will again host this annual event on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 from 10 to 5 pm. Attendees from near and far look forward to this renowned and juried event that has been sponsored by the Wickford Art Association since 1962. All are invited to browse the works from artists across the county. We also encourage all who visit to take the new Causeway Path back into Wickford Village to rest in the gardens and enjoy a wide variety of food. Many of the shops will offer specials, too.

May 10, 2022

Friends and HistWick members,
This HistWick E-News highlights a couple of activities that may interest you. The board and I would like to call your attention to an important upcoming event–the HistWick Annual Meeting for our members. See the information below. This popular community event offers time to spend with old friends and an opportunity to meet new ones. Most importantly you’ll hear about what your organization, Historic Wickford, Inc., has accomplished over the past year in spite of a pandemic, and our goals for the coming year. And as always we will offer good food and drinks. At the event we will welcome your ideas and what you see as needs that can shape HistWick’s 2022-23 goals. We will also offer opportunities for you to become involved in several HistWick activities. Last year, and this year as well, we will meet outdoors on the impressive grounds of the historic Smith’s Castle. It’s a perfect place for HistWick to convene its annual meeting! So if you are a HistWick member, plan now to attend, and if you are considering membership, feel free to join the meeting to learn about our dynamic organization.

Our best on these windy spring days,

Mary Ann Hackett, President
Historic Wickford, Inc.

______________________________________________________

Save The Date

HistWick Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 16 (rain date, June 23), 5:00 pm 

Smith’s Castle

The HistWick board cordially invites you to join us for the HistWick Annual Meeting. We will:

• meet on the impressive lawn of the historic Smith’s Castle for pleasant social time with neighbors and new and old friends,
• review HistWick’s accomplishments and our upcoming goals,
• hear about what’s happening in the town, and
• enjoy great food and other refreshments.

Plan now to join us!

And on a separate note, but related to HistWick’s accomplishments—the next time you are in town, notice the new trash receptacles in the village. They are another step in improving village aesthetics. HistWick leaders collaborated with the town on selecting the receptacles’ style and HistWick donated three of them. Several trash receptacles are paired with recycle bins that the town purchased through a special grant.

Wickford Harbor Lights KickOff

Thursday May 12,  6:00 – 9:00 pm 

Wickford Village–Brown and Main Streets

Wickford Harbor Lights, sponsored by Rhode Island Beautiful Homes, invites you, your family and friends to this ever popular, fun-filled event. This year Harbor Lights will illuminate the harbor with real fire on floats—a mesmerizing sight for young and old! The event will offer face painting, balloon art, live music, food trucks, carriage rides, and more. Consider dining in a local restaurant that will offer specials or shopping in the village’s shop that will stay open late.

History Walk with Tim Cranston: Lafayette Village

Saturday, May 14, 10:00 am to Noon

The Village of Lafayette, a 19^th century mill village that remains almost completely intact into the 21^st century, is a treasure worth visiting. The mill is now a professional working mill community made up of the main building and three smaller historic buildings. Join Tim Cranston, local historian, to explore this remarkable place and learn about the people who lived and worked there and what they created in the massive brick complex that was once known as Rodman Manufacturing. Tim will also highlight the village’s newly installed self-guided history walk signage.

Registration is required. There are 25 seats available. Information at the Library’s website: https://nklibrary.libcal.com/event/9061526?hs=a

Meet by the waterfall behind the Rodman Mill building on 650 Ten Rod Road (Route 102)

Coffee and Donuts at the Fort: Battle of Rhode Island Association  

Saturday, May 21, 9:00 am

Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth (Free but Reservation Requested)

The Battle of Rhode Island Association and the Butts Hill Fort Committee cordially invite you to “Coffee and Donuts at the Fort”. The Fort is the largest Revolutionary War earthwork extant in southern New England that was successively occupied by Americans, British, and French forces and was the headquarters of American forces in the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. This historic site that exists today has had little change since 1781. The event presents an opportunity to see the past year’s progress to restore the fort and make it accessible to new generations of Rhode Islanders. The day will consist of a one-hour program with a brief history of the Fort and the restoration plans of the Battle of Rhode Island Association. It will also include an optional tour of the fort. Wear sturdy shoes and park in the large lot on Dyer Street. Reservations are requested; please email Nancy Crawford at: [email protected]. Nancy will then send you a map to the fort and parking specifics.

April 17, 2022

Dear Friends,

I just thought you should know about a few other events happening around town.  We are truly a village and as they say “It takes a village”.  Hope to see you at these events.

Mary Ann Hackett

President, HistWick

Events at Smith Castle

Saturday, April 23rd, 10am

After light breakfast refreshments, Marilyn Harris will speak on “The Role of the Colonial Press in Fueling the American Revolution” with special emphasis on the contributions of Smith family descendants. No preregistration necessary. $5 suggested donation.

Saturday, May 7th – 11:00-4 pm Opening Day at Smith’s Castle with re-enactors, live entertainment, children’s activities, Castle tours (first floor) and vendors in celebration of our 74th Anniversary. No admission fee; contributions appreciated.

Looking ahead:

May 21^st: Bob Geake revisits “18^th Century Travelers in Southern Rhode Island as Seen through Their Journals.”

June 25^th:Tim Cranston reveals the history of “The Updikes in Wickford.”

August 13^th: John Dower,and Patrick Donovan tell of “The Enslaved Men Who Enlisted in the Black Regiment.”

Arbor Day, Friday April 29 10:30 am

North Kingstown, R.I. – The Town of North Kingstown has been selected to host the 2022 Rhode Island Arbor Day Celebration. Rhode Island’s 135th Arbor Day Celebration will take place on Friday, April 29th, 2022 at 10:30am at Wilson Park, West Main Street, North Kingstown, R.I.

Arbor Day is America’s official tree holiday where the nation celebrates and shows its appreciation of trees. The celebration will include a speaking program where state and local officials will give remarks highlighting the importance and benefits of trees and present tree-related awards. There will also be a ceremonial tree planting. Local schools have also been invited to participate.

As part of being chosen to host Arbor Day, the Town will receive twelve (12) new trees that will be planted across Wilson Park. These new trees can be enjoyed through a guided tree identification tour given by the R.I. Tree Council. Trees benefit our communities through beautification, moderation of our temperatures, cleaning the air, providing habitat for wildlife, increasing property values and enhancing the economic vitality of the area.

The Town of North Kingstown is honored to be chosen to host this event and invites the general public to join them on the 150th Anniversary of National Arbor Day.

The Town would also like to thank the North Kingstown Planning Department who has been the local lead agency in organizing this event as well as the North Kingstown Public Works and Recreation Departments for their assistance in preparing for this event. In addition, the Town would like to acknowledge the efforts of both HistWick and the Plum Beach Garden Club for their roles in applying for this honor.

Please contact North Kingstown Supervising Planner Becky Lamond with any questions on this event at [email protected] or (401)268-1572.

Assistance for Afghanistan Family, Saturday May 7 at 6:00pm

Matthew Baldwin Mc Coy has created a go fund me link to support the Noori family.  The Noori Family arrived in Wickford, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, in January 2022 after being evacuated from Afghanistan in August 2021 as part of Operation Allies Refuge (OAR). Naseer, Diana, Mohibullah, Tasnim, and Hasidullah joined our community after spending a brief time at Afghan refugee safe havens in Qatar, Italy, and at Joint Base McQuire – Dix – Lakehurst, New Jersey. The family is here in the United States under the humanitarian parole program. Because of the takeover of their country by the Taliban, the Noori family would like to make the United States their new home. They need our temporary financial help to sustain them while they get on their feet and become self-sufficient.

Your generosity will help fill the gap between temporary federal and state government assistance and benefits.

You are cordially invited to meet the Noori family in person at a Task Force Wickford fundraising event being held at 6:00 PM, Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Cold Spring Community Center, 36 Beach St, North Kingstown, RI 02852.

This is a collaborative event, so any/all ideas and suggestions are welcomed.

Thank you for your continued support of the Noori family.

https://gofund.me/9710a4c2

—

V/R,

Matthew Baldwin McCoy

381 Potter Road

North Kingstown, RI 02852

H: (401) 447-8944

C: (401) 447-0984

E-mail: [email protected]

June 22,2022

Dear HistWick members and friends,

Our recent HistWick annual meeting at Smith’s Castle was an outstanding success. More than 100 people attended to hear town updates; honor Episcopal Bishop Knisely and Linda Piedra for their leadership in preserving Wickford’s historic Narragansett Church (property of the Rhode Island Episcopal Diocese) and a 1795 home on Main Street; and learn about the restoration of the historic Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth.

At the meeting Town Manager Ralph Mollis made a most exciting announcement: Wickford won the USA Today competition for Best Historic Small Town in the nation! We won because not only is Wickford a truly amazing town, but one with a strong community spirit in which so many of us voted in this competition! So if you voted once or dozens of times, thank you!

The meeting also presented an opportunity to introduce the Lewis family who live on Main Street. As a result of the war, their Ukrainian family is settling in North Kingstown. Since they receive no state or federal funding, A GoFundMe site has been set up to support their efforts. If you’d like to help go to: https://gofund.me/07e48a39

Please review our most recent HistWick E-News for upcoming town activities. The Wickford Art Festival at Wilson Park is coming soon–July 9th and 10th. Smith’s Castle has several interesting coffees and teas—for details visit their website: www.smithscastle.org

Enjoy summer,

Mary Ann Hackett, President

April 2022

Friends and fellow HistWick members, I don’t think any of us will be sad to see COVID in the rear-view mirror. From all the pain associated with COVID to the challenges of  dealing with difficult political questions in the U.S. and around the world, conflict seems to have been the byword for the past few years. And somehow, fortunately, most of us have survived with hope that 2022 will be much better.

Like most organizations, large or small, HistWick struggled. We were unable to offer our typical programs to our membership. These activities gave us the opportunity to engage with neighbors and friends, to learn more about the history of our community and to encourage visitors and newcomers to join us in celebrating the Wickford heritage we share.

Plans for 2022 and 2023 are developing as we can collect in groups again. And with our limited financial resources, we will continue to aid other organizations in need,  and other projects throughout Wickford.

We will continue to send semi-weekly e-mails to members sharing information on issues important to village life and celebrating when we learn of some of the good things accomplished by residents and their families.

We hope you find these efforts valuable. All of our work is aided by you, HistWick members, through your membership in our organization. If you have not yet had the time to renew your membership, would you consider doing that today?

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The membership form can be found below and can be returned by mail to:

P.O.
Box 261, North Kingstown, RI 02852

Download  Membership Form Here

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And, as always, we welcome any questions you may have about HistWick as well as any comments or suggestions you have regarding how we might continue to improve our work in Wickford.

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022 and please, stay well, your presence in our community is valued.

President
Historic Wickford, Inc.