Created in the mid-18th century “for the benefit of all,” this colonial thoroughfare shows off an enviable collection of 18th- and 19th-century wood-frame houses. Although its breathtaking historic structures can give the street the appearance of a museum mile, it is actually a vital urban neighborhood. Preservation efforts beginning in the 1950s shaped this streetscape in many ways, including displacing communities and moving houses. This tour tells a story that touches on the past, present, and future and the ways in which all of these intersect in a living and breathing city.
Tours are currently scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10am and run for 90 minutes. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee spots; please use our online ticketing system (linked below).
Free parking is available in a lot off Charlesfield Street, which runs parallel to Power Street on the other side of the property. The entrance to the lot is not far from the corner of Charlesfield and Benefit Streets.
Following current RIDOH guidelines, masks are not required for those who are fully vaccinated. Those who are unvaccinated (especially children under 16) or in any way immuno-compromised should wear a mask, as directed by the CDC and RIDOH, but the RIHS is not verifying vaccination status. We will provide masks for those who do not have one, but we are not enforcing mask-wearing. When possible, people should maintain 3 feet of social distance.
This 90 minute long tour runs Fridays and Saturdays through October beginning at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance – see link below.
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