Summer of Love: A Journey Through the 1960s

Usually at the Hearthside House Museum, guests are greeted by volunteers dressed in Victorian or Edwardian attire as they are welcomed to explore this 200-year old home and some of the many families who have lived there. This summer, though, the hands of time have landed on a much more recent history which is 1960-1969 so those volunteers may now be dressed in tie-dye shirts and bell bottoms for the newest exhibit, "Summer of Love: A Journey Through the 1960s." After all, the last family residing at Hearthside lived there during this pivotal decade of historic change and would have experienced many of the subjects that are included in the exhibit.

The culture, the music, the history-making "sock it to me" sixties from the Camelot years of John F. Kennedy to the explosion of pop culture are featured in the exhibit. Visitors are invited to step inside the house to journey through each room over two floors, with each one having a different focus, to experience all things sixties. Some of the features from life during that time are collections from Woodstock, concert posters, Beatles, Vietnam, color television, New England sports, protests, foods, fashions, space exploration and the moon landing, modern conveniences, playtime, and Rhode Island events.

The exhibit is open on June 15, June 29, July 13, July 20, August 17 and August 24. Hours are between 1-4 pm with the last admission at 3 pm. Two special events are planned in conjunction with the exhibit. The first is a Swingin' Sixties Dance Party being held under the tent on the grounds on Saturday, June 28th from 6-9 pm. Whether this is nostalgia from your generation or you enjoy the tunes of the 60s, the dance is an opportunity to get out on the dance floor to do the twist, or swing and sway to the top hits from the decade. Tickets in advance only. For car enthusiasts or for those who just enjoy all things 60s, there will be a Classic Cars of the '60s Car Show held on the grounds at Hearthside on Sunday, August 17 from 11 am-4 pm. in conjunction with the Summer of Love exhibit taking place indoors.

Hearthside is known as "the House that Love Built," and this Summer love is the answer as the months' long celebration takes place. It promises to be fun, informative, nostalgic, and impactful, no matter whether or not you grew up during this era.

Built in 1810, Hearthside is now an award-winning house museum located at 677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI. It is run by the Friends of Hearthside, an all-volunteer organization that manages the town-owned property, presents tours and programs to bring history to life. All proceeds support the preservation efforts of Hearthside and the other historic buildings located at Chase Farm Park, known as the Great Road Heritage Campus.