Archaeology Discovery Walk of Providence’s Snowtown and Great Point

Please join us for a guided Discovery Walk exploring the north shore of Providence’s Great Salt Cove! This area was the former location of the early 19th century Snowtown neighborhood and Rhode Island’s first state prison. The Walk will be led by archaeologists Heather Olson and Andrew Polta who will lead attendees through the area where the neighborhood and prison once stood. Attendees will meander through the modern-day landscape of the state house grounds and adjacent lands, all the while hearing riveting stories about the archaeology and people who lived and worked here in the early-19th century. Using maps, photographs, and surviving archival documents, the guides will bring attendees into the everyday world of Providence’s early 19th century residents.

The Discovery walk will begin (and end) at the Rhode Island State House [located at 82 Smith Street, Providence, meet on front steps facing down toward the Providence Place Mall]. The walk is approximately one mile in length and will take about one hour to complete.

Please arrive a few minutes before your scheduled discovery walk is set to begin. Several buses serve this location, including the R line and the 56. It is walking distance from Kennedy Plaza and Amtrak. Biking and walking are encouraged. This event is sponsored by The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. and the Snowtown Project.

Parking may be available at the State House OR the Providence Place Mall parking garage. Please note that space is limited; other tour times may be added for Saturday afternoon.