South Elmwood in Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Roger Williams Park
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 4, 2023
1. Museum of Natural History and Planetarium Marker
With its yellow brick facade, French Chateau style, and a location on the highest part of the Park's landscape, this building is home to Rhode Island's only natural history museum. Designed by the Providence firm Martin and Hall and built in 1896, it was originally intended to house fine art collections. However, a donation of mammal and bird specimens from a Providence resident, John Steere, encouraged the sciences and prompted other donations.
These early collections laid the foundation for educational programming and, by 1914, the museum was hailed as the "People's University." Exhibits, nature study classes, field walks, and bimonthly bulletins encouraged the community to learn about the natural world with a hands-on approach. By 1916, a new wing was built, doubling the museum's exhibits. In 1953, a planetarium was added to the second floor.
Did you know?
The original 1878 plan for the park by Horace W.S. Cleveland is on display inside the museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 41° 47.202′ N, 71° 24.806′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dalrymple Boathouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Betsey Williams Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Seal House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sea Lions (approx. 0.2 miles away); Betsy Williams Sycamore (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roger Williams (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bicentennial of Haitian Independence (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 4, 2023
2. The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 39 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
