The Historical Society and the Smith-Appleby House Museum honor the traditions of the past, and the family that remained dedicated and steadfast to the land. Borrowing from some words from an unknown source, preserving important Smithfield artifacts is the sort of goal, which gives continuing purpose to the society. Having such purpose not only preserves but also amplifies wonderfully the intent of that original band of imaginative townspeople whose concern for the past has already endured 77 years. Recognizing the value of the past in helping us to deal effectively with the future, they banded together to preserve as much as they could for the future generations to learn from.