Make a Corn Husk Doll & Tour the Smith-Appleby House

Families and kids are invited to make their own corn husk dolls during open house tours at the historic Smith-Appleby House Museum on “Crafts & Tours: Make a Corn Husk Doll,” Saturday, Sept. 15, in Smithfield, RI.

Hosted by volunteers in 18th century costume, the open house will feature tours and demonstrations throughout the historic landmark home depicting what daily life was like in Colonial Rhode Island.

As part of the tour, kids will learn about how children of the 18th century played with dolls they made from corn husks. They’ll also make their own corn husk doll, based upon a Penobscot Indian design, to bring home.

The Smith-Appleby House was originally built circa 1696 as a one-room stone-ender with a loft by Elisha Smith, the grandson of John Smith “The Miller,” one of Roger Williams’ original party of six men who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle in Providence. Expanded by later generations of the family to 12 rooms, today the House is one of a few remaining 17th century houses in Rhode Island and features original furnishings, designs, and exhibits.

“Crafts & Tours: Make a Corn Husk Doll,” takes place Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Smith-Appleby House Museum. There is a $5 donation for adults and children are free. No reservations are needed. The House is located just off I-295 (Exit 8-B) at 220 Stillwater Road in Smithfield, RI.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.smithapplebyhouse.org or call 1-401-231-7363.

The House is headquarters to The Historical Society of Smithfield. For more information, visit the website at http://www.smithapplebyhouse.org. Follow the House on Facebook at http://facebook.com/SmithApplebyHouse, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SmithAppleby, and on Google+ at http://gplus.to/SmithApplebyHouse.