Watson Farm

04/28/2026

On May 2 for the "Celebrating Freedom" event at Watson Farm, Valerie Tutson, Teller and co-founder of Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS), will tell us the story of Duchess Quamino of Newport, whose story resonates with the life of Orman Re*****on. We are honoring the life of Orman Re*****on and his family this Saturday, May 2, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission (RI250), and so it is free and open to the public. Find out more details, such as transportation to the farm, here: https://bit.ly/4ta9mKx.

04/23/2026

Last night, a fire at Watson Farm resulted in the complete loss of the historic barn.

We are deeply grateful that no people or larger livestock were harmed, though we are saddened to report that a small flock of chickens was lost in the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown and remains under investigation.

For generations, the barn stood at the heart of this remarkable working farm, an enduring symbol of New England’s agricultural heritage and the stories of those who lived and labored on this land. Its loss is significant.

At Historic New England, our mission is to preserve and share the places that define this region. Moments like this remind us just how important that work is.

We will share updates as more information becomes available.

04/21/2026

Unfortunately, due to a fire in the main barn which did not harm any people or animals, we are unable to hold Sheep Shearing Day this year. at Watson Farm. Thank you for your support and understanding.

The births of 58 lambs and 37 calves was a sure sign of spring at Watson Farm. Photos by Andrea von Hohenleiten Kylie Jordan, who has been working at the 265-acre seaside farm since August 2025, cradles Thelma and Louise. The farm’s manager, Max Sherman, pets Big Fat Baby. Visitors are invited to ...

04/21/2026

As we prepare to welcome visitors to for the open season, we invite you to get to know the people who make our tours and events so special.

04/17/2026

Our version of Historic New England's Open House at Watson Farm is Kite Flying Day! We will be open from 1:00 - 4:00 on June 6, for free, and no tickets are needed.

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, our historic sites across the region are open and FREE to the public. Join us for a fun day of fantastic storytelling! Love architecture, history, fantastic stories, great landscapes, fine art, folk art, or interior design? Then join Historic New England on June 6, 2026, f...

03/11/2026

Hello farm friends, is anyone interested in a job growing beautiful plants in a historic greenhouse in Waltham, Massachusetts? Lyman Estate needs a Greenhouse Manager, and please apply here: https://historicnewengland.bamboohr.com/careers/100

03/06/2026

Join Historic New England on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. to satisfy your curiosity about 20th century Newport artists without even leaving the house. Sign up for the virtual program here:

Join Nancy Whipple Grinnell, Curator Emerita of the Newport Art Museum, for a lecture on the vibrant arts community in early twentieth-century Newport. As the Gilded Age waned, the city remained a fashionable destination for the wealthy and attracted a cosmopolitan community of artists, many from ab...

03/05/2026

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of the first baby lambs at Watson Farm! Twins were born on 3/3 and their mama is sticking out her tongue at Farmer Max. Come to see all the new lambs on Sheep Shearing Day, April 25 and you can get tickets for a carload of friends here: https://bit.ly/4rnR2fS.

02/15/2026

CSA is a share-based food distribution system that directly connects farmers and consumers. When you purchase a CSA membership, you get to support local agriculture and visit the farm every week to pick up your share of freshly harvested produce.

02/14/2026

How about a beautiful book to share with your Valentine? You can order it through Jamestown Historical Society. And then on February 18, attend our virtual talk together about a place you can plan to visit again and again, the one and only Jamestown.

Link to sign up for virtual talk: https://bit.ly/4bykzPq

Link to buy Jamestown: Architecture, Landscape, and the Making of a Rhode Island Paradise https://jamestownhistoricalsociety.org/shop/

The Jamestown Historical Society's online shop offering books and videos on Jamestown history, as well as donation and membership options.