The Stephen Hopkins House - t he original home of Rhode Island's own Founding Father!
This 8-room house, the oldest in the City, built in 1707 & 1742, was home for more than 4 decades to merchant, legislator, judge, 10-time Governor and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Stephen Hopkins, his family, and their slaves.
A Norman Isham restoration, twice moved but virtually unmodernized, it also served as Hopkins' place of business, and hosted George Washington in 1776 & 1781. The parlor, study, bedchambers (one where Washington slept) keeping room and slaves' room are furnished with period antiques & Hopkins heirlooms.
Below, the parterre garden was designed by Williamsburg landscape architect and Hopkins descendant, Alden Hopkins. In our Gallery
"Samplers: Exquisite Needlework & its Meaning in Early Rhode Island" showing the RI Society of Colonial Dames' fine collection of 17th-19th century American schoolgirl samplers.