In 2013 we embarked on a project to revive the boarded up and rapidly deteriorating Mary Mowry House, c.a 1750. Developing a plan in collaboration with Preserve RI and the Smithfield Land Trust, Revive the Roots brought the house back into use and developed Rhode Island’s first live-in curatorship program. From 2014 to 2020, a rotating group of live-in curators transformed a neglected farm house into a landmark building. At the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission's 2021 annual conference we were honored to be recognized as pioneers in a creative model for revitalizing endangered structures and giving the historic properties a renewed sense of purpose.
In 2019 it was announced that the Smithfield Land Trust would make plans to sell the Mary Mowry House. In 2021 we made it our goal to secure the Mary Mowry House as a base of operations through purchase from the Smithfield Land Trust. Our ownership of the Mary Mowry House would ensure that the community gardens, walking trails and outdoor facilities will continue to be maintained by Revive the Roots and that the house will remain a site for education and land stewardship.
After working with the Smithfield Land Trust and the Smithfield Town Council to gain the opportunity to purchase, we were granted six months to acquire funds. We rallied support from our community raising almost $100,000 in direct donations. With this support from and generous grants from the Champlin Foundation and the June Rockwell Levy Foundation we were still short of the $450,000 sales price. By working with the Rhode Island Foundation and their Impact Investing Program we were able to secure a loan for the remaining amount. Our donors' annual pledges continue to help us make loan payments. It is because of this support that we are able to care for the house as well as the 28 acre Mowry Commons and provide programs, events and education to our community.
Preserve Rhode Island continues to offer assistance and support as holders of a Preservation Easement attached to the Mary Mowry House. This easement ensures that the historic features of the house will be protected in perpetuity.
Contact [email protected] with the subject "Mary Mowry House" for more information and upcoming tour dates!
In 2019 it was announced that the Smithfield Land Trust would make plans to sell the Mary Mowry House. In 2021 we made it our goal to secure the Mary Mowry House as a base of operations through purchase from the Smithfield Land Trust. Our ownership of the Mary Mowry House would ensure that the community gardens, walking trails and outdoor facilities will continue to be maintained by Revive the Roots and that the house will remain a site for education and land stewardship.
After working with the Smithfield Land Trust and the Smithfield Town Council to gain the opportunity to purchase, we were granted six months to acquire funds. We rallied support from our community raising almost $100,000 in direct donations. With this support from and generous grants from the Champlin Foundation and the June Rockwell Levy Foundation we were still short of the $450,000 sales price. By working with the Rhode Island Foundation and their Impact Investing Program we were able to secure a loan for the remaining amount. Our donors' annual pledges continue to help us make loan payments. It is because of this support that we are able to care for the house as well as the 28 acre Mowry Commons and provide programs, events and education to our community.
Preserve Rhode Island continues to offer assistance and support as holders of a Preservation Easement attached to the Mary Mowry House. This easement ensures that the historic features of the house will be protected in perpetuity.
Contact [email protected] with the subject "Mary Mowry House" for more information and upcoming tour dates!
Who was Mary Mowry?
Mary Mowry was born in Providence, but she fell in love with Smithfield. After retiring from a career in education, she dedicated her life to preserving Smithfield’s history and protecting its land. She donated more than 100 acres to the town through the Smithfield Land Trust. Part of her donation was the land that we call Mowry Commons, and her home, which serves as Revive the Roots’ headquarters. During her lifetime she was known for her beautiful and extensive flower gardens. In the twilight of her life and after her death these gardens were overtaken by weeds and her efforts were temporarily forgotten. As Revive the Roots has cleared brush, cut saplings and pulled weeds we have uncovered Mary’s treasures, daffodils, tulips, iris, hyacinth, crocus and lilacs to name a few. It is our wish as the current stewards of Mary’s land to replant and expand these gardens. Revive the Roots is preserving Mary’s legacy so future generations can fall in love with Smithfield too.
Links and Articles
RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, 35th annual Preservation Conference:
"Curators in the House: Creative Models for Stewardship"
Valley Breeze: Curating Community, April 14th 2021
Preserve Rhode Island: Mary Mowry House
"Curators in the House: Creative Models for Stewardship"
Valley Breeze: Curating Community, April 14th 2021
Preserve Rhode Island: Mary Mowry House