What to do and see in Rhode Island, United States: The Best History Museums

August 5, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

With the perfect combination of great seaside views, colorful local culture, and endless family activities, Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package. Whether you are into art and culture, beautiful seaside sights, or great family-friendly activities, there is sure to be something for you in Rhode Island. If you're staying in Newport, try a breathtaking tour of the harbor in the Schooner Madeleine, or enjoy a bit of history at Fort Adams State Park. The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Take a drive up to Providence for some great shopping at Providence Place Mall and to visit the unforgettable Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Rhode Island

1. Westerly Armory

41 Railroad Ave PO Box 614, Westerly, RI 02891-1817 +1 401-596-8554 http://www.westerlyarmory.org
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Westerly Armory

2. Whitehall Museum House

311 Berkeley Ave, Middletown, RI 02842-5392 +1 401-846-3116 [email protected] http://www.whitehallmuseumhouse.org
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Whitehall Museum House

Whitehall was the home of the eminent early modern philosopher George Berkeley, who hoped to found a college in the colonies, between 1729 and 1731. Whitehall is open to the public July 1 - August 31. Resident scholars who are members of the International Berkeley Society give tours Wednesday through Sunday. The house is open at other times by appointment.

3. Warwick Historical Society

25 Roger Williams Cir John Waterman Arnold House, Warwick, RI 02888-3706 +1 401-467-7647
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Warwick Historical Society

Reviewed By Rollarry

Fun visit, saw a play, A Christmas Carol at the Old School Meeting house. Other interesting buildings and exhibits to check out m

4. Veterans Memorial Museum

78 Earle St Museum is open for groups by appointment week days, Woonsocket, RI 02895-3108 +1 401-222-9025 http://veteransmemorialmuseumri.org
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Veterans Memorial Museum

Reviewed By 296carolf

Wonderful Museum well displayed very informative children get to touch artifacts and learn history videos are running books available to borrow amazing place to visit

5. Federal Hill Heritage Exhibit

286 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903-1530 +1 401-273-2652 [email protected] http://www.historicalfederalhill.com/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Federal Hill Heritage Exhibit

Since 1886 Federal Hill in Providence Rhode Island has been one the centers for Italian immigration in the United States. Italian settlers replaced the Irish settlers We decided to undergo a campaign of collecting photos and important documents that justly represent this hub of history and culture intended for the preservation of the Italian immigration movement in Rhode Island.

6. Living Sharks Museum & Research Center

53 High St, Westerly, RI 02891-6027 +1 860-961-7720 http://www.livingsharks.org
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Living Sharks Museum & Research Center

Living Sharks Museum is a pop-up Shark History & Conservation exhibition, created to educate the public about the story of the shark through a visual record of their history, exploitation and conservation. Featuring the permanent exhibit of infamous shark hunter-turned conservationist Frank Mundus. Curated by shark advocate and educator Keith Cowley.

Reviewed By 462maryq

This is a must stop! First off, it’s free. Second, Keith knows so much about sharks, their history, and presence in pop culture that he is able to answer all your questions even it you consider yourself a shark expert. Third, his collection is amazing. He has so many shark artifacts that just looking around it worth the walk upstairs alone. Please stop by and donate if you can! Their t-shirts for sale are a major plus!

7. World War II Foundation Global Education Center

344 Main St, South Kingstown, RI 02879-7426 +1 401-862-3030 [email protected] http://www.wwiifoundation.org
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The World War II Foundation Global Education Center officially opened in January of 2019 and includes thousands of artifacts from WWII, as well as a theatre that seats 35 and a library with over 500 World War II books. Each visitor to the Global Education Center will leave with a free World War II Foundation documentary film of their choice ($20 value). Normal admission cost is $15 for adults.

8. Isaac Bell House

Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 +1 401-847-1000 [email protected] http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/isaac-bell-house
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4.5 based on 102 reviews

Isaac Bell House

The Isaac Bell House is one of the best surviving examples of shingle style architecture in the country. The house was designed by the firm of McKim, Mead and White in 1883 for Isaac Bell, a wealthy cotton broker and investor. After passing through a succession of owners, the Isaac Bell House was purchased by the Preservation Society in 1996, and is today designated a National Historic Landmark. The Isaac Bell House was remarkably innovative when it appeared in 1883. It is a combination of Old English and European architecture with colonial American and exotic details, such as a Japanese-inspired open floor plan and bamboo-style porch columns.

9. Museum of Work and Culture

42 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895-4274 +1 401-769-9675 http://www.rihs.org/museums/museum-of-work-and-culture/
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4.5 based on 68 reviews

Museum of Work and Culture

Located in a 1915 textile mill, the museum is dedicated to the political and cultural lives of the working class. It also serves as a visitors center for the Blackstone Valley National Corridor.

Reviewed By mlussier2018 - Woonsocket, United States

The facility is clean and well organized, allowing the visitor to engage the displays in a chronological order. Staff is wonderful. Very much worth some time to view the offerings, which will bring back memories for many people who grew up in New England.

10. Jamestown Historical Society Museum

92 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI 02835-1174 +1 401-423-0784 http://www.jamestownhistoricalsociety.org/index.cfm?id=4
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Jamestown Historical Society Museum

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