Block Island Historical Society Museum | New Shoreham

Information

Landmark: Block Island Historical Society Museum
City: New Shoreham
Country: USA Rhode Island
Continent: North America

Block Island Historical Society Museum, New Shoreham, USA Rhode Island, North America

The Block Island Historical Society Museum is located in New Shoreham, Rhode Island. It preserves and exhibits artifacts related to the island's history.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a 19th-century Greek Revival building constructed of wood. The exterior is painted white with dark green shutters. It features a prominent portico with Doric columns. The building is two stories high with a gabled roof.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 161 Main Street in New Shoreham, Block Island. It is approximately 0.2km from the ferry terminal. Parking is available on-site for a limited number of vehicles. Public transportation on the island is primarily via taxi services or the seasonal island bus route, which stops near the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1870 as the home of prominent island resident William H. Champlin. It was later acquired by the Block Island Historical Society in 1945 and converted into a museum to showcase the island's heritage.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on maritime history, local industries, and the lives of early settlers. Visitors can view artifacts from shipwrecks, agricultural tools, and period furnishings. The museum offers guided tours on select days during peak season.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided within the exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the museum; options are available along Main Street.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is typically open from late May through Columbus Day. The best time of day for interior photography is during daylight hours when artificial lighting is supplemented by natural light. The months of July and August offer the most favorable weather for island travel.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact in the collection is a piece of the original lighthouse lens from the Southeast Lighthouse, which was famously moved inland to prevent its collapse into the sea due to coastal erosion.