Visit Again, For the First Time

After a long and challenging year for so many, it has been an exciting first half of 2021 for Clouds Hill Museum.

The house at Clouds Hill was built during the 1870s and today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It remained in the same family and has passed down through four generations of strong women. It is because of the stewardship of these women that the house still contains its original furniture and much more that was brought to the property by them and their families.

Also to be recognized are the talented craftsman that built the house and whose work is seen in each room. General William R. Walker, architect, decorative wall painting by William J. McPherson, Donald MacDonald, lighting from Mitchell, Vance & Co., suites of furniture from Doe & Hunnewell, and beautiful carvings by Charles P. Dowler. David Riccio, Principal at John Canning Perfection Preservation has said that, “McPherson & MacDonald’s design and quality of craftsmanship throughout Clouds Hill, and especially in the Egyptian Room has no comparison to anything that we have studied in the U.S.”

In March, Paul F. Miller, became Museum Director of Clouds Hill Museum. Bringing his incredible knowledge and energy, he began reviewing all of the collections at Clouds Hill. Paul, Anne D. Holst and Wayne A. Cabral, have spent months uncovering hidden treasures of Clouds Hill. These treasures are now on display for visitors to see as they are personally guided through eleven rooms of the Victorian house. Examples of these finds include General George Washington’s traveling campaign mirror acquired by Mrs. J. Carter Brown II (Anne Crawford Allen, 1848-1936) from a descendant of the President and formerly on display at Mount Vernon, a cast iron cannon ball from the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill, and a pastel and silk painting of the 1920 America's Cup defender Resolute seen during the 5th race when she beat the British challenger Shamrock IV.

“Clouds Hill is a major treasure architecturally and with its tremendous interiors and collections”, says Richard Guy Wilson, Emeritus Professor, Architectural History, University of Virginia.

So, while you may have visited Clouds Hill Museum in the past, visiting today will be like visiting for the first time.

Clouds Hill Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 4157 Post Road in Warwick. Tours can be arranged by calling 401-884-9490. For more information visit www.cloudshill.org.