Tour the house and learn about the slave trade in RI in a presentation in a classroom setting that provides an overview of the trajectory of the Atlantic Slave Trade as European nations sought to create empires through exploiting the labor of enslaved people to obtain resources that supported the immense wealth produced by gold mines in Brazil, coffee plantations in the Americas, and the sugar plantations of the West Indies. Students are able to learn the connection that Smith’s Castle held within the wider scope of Atlantic enslavement in the Smith and Updike’s connections to plantations in Barbados, and the development of the plantation here at Cocumscussoc.

The Prince of Smith’s Castle: Students will learn about the life of an enslaved man named Prince who lived and labored at Smith’s Castle. They will learn of his skills as a chocolate grinder, skills that led to his emancipation and employment by Aaron Lopez of Newport during the late 18th century.

Activity: Children will ground bits of chocolate using mortar and pestles. Mixing with sugar, they will make hot chocolate to drink as it would have been made in colonial times.

These activities are aimed at middle school and up but all ages are welcome.

The tour and activities are expected to take about 90 minutes. Afterwards families are welcome to stay to enjoy the grounds! Bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the lawn, indoor space is available in case of inclement weather.

Adult ticket is NOT required.

This is NOT a drop off event. Adults must be present.

smithscastle.org