WE THE PEOPLE: Explore the Founding of Our Nation & Great Road

Hearthside Museum’s current exhibit, “We the People, A Journey Through Great Road’s History and Legacy", offers unique perspectives on local people, events, and objects that shaped the nation’s history and our local community. At the center of the story is Commodore Silas Talbot, a Revolutionary War hero with ties to Lincoln's Hearthside House through his descendant Arnold G. Talbot. Through family artifacts, historic weaponry, artwork, and historical interpretation from informative panels and docents in period attire, Talbot's story offers a window into the courage, resilience, and ambition that defined the early years of the United States. Among his many notable achievements was serving in both the Continental Army and Navy and as captain of the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides.” The extensive exhibit is displayed throughout two floors of this award-winning house museum. Guides in period attire help visitors discover the history that surrounds them. The open hours are from 1-4 pm, with last admittance at 3:00.

Other Great Road Heritage Campus sites are also featured. One of the rarest survivors of the early Industrial Revolution during the 19th century is the Moffett Mill, built at the time of the War of 1812. Among the first wooden machine shops in the state, the Moffett Mill, which was first owned by the Olney family and later by the Moffett family. It was a versatile shop that handled building or repairing just about anything needed by area residents, farms, and mills. Original tools and equipment remain in place, giving visitors a sense of a journey back in time to when the water-powered mill was still in operation. Access to the Mill is only by shuttle van that leaves from Hearthside at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. with a 40-minute guided tour.

Also open at Chase Farm Park is Bill Hannaway's Blacksmith Shop, which originally started as part of the Moffett Mill. Today, it continues to produce hand-forged items in the shop that at originally sat across from Hearthside and once served residents, farms, and businesses in this community during its early years.

Early education is the theme in the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse at Chase Farm Park as well.  This one-room schoolhouse dating to 1850 was the last to close in Lincoln in 1922. It once housed area children of ages 5-14, learning their lessons together.  Filled with artifacts from the earliest years of education, the schoolhouse is a museum.  It was moved to this site in 2017 to join in with the other historic sites in being preserved and representing the story of 19th century history in Lincoln.

Admission to the museum is $15. Visitors may select to also visit the Mill which is included in the ticket price. Advance registration is available through the website greatroadheritagecampus.org or pay at entrance to Hearthside. There is no fee to visit the blacksmith shop. A $5 donation is welcomed at the schoolhouse.

To register for the exhibit or for more information, visit the Great Road Heritage Campus website at greatroadheritagecampus.org. For questions, contact info@hearthsidehouse.org or call (401) 726-0597. "We the People" is supported in part by a grant from the Rhode Island Semi-quincentennial Commission (RI250).

Hearthside is located at 677 Great Road, with parking available across the street.