Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage in Roger Williams Park
Fridays, 10am-3pm
Step back in time to explore the Betsey Williams Cottage, built in 1773 and home to Roger Williams’ great-great-great granddaughters, Betsey and Rhoda Williams. Upon her death in 1871, Betsey Williams bequeathed the cottage and 102 acres of surrounding farmland to the city of Providence, which became the foundation of Roger Williams Park.
Drop-in during these FREE open houses (weather permitting) to learn about the Cottage’s history and its significance to Roger Williams Park. The open houses are FREE and open to the public. Presented by the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. The Betsey Williams Cottage is located near Roger Williams Park’s Elmwood Avenue entrance. Parking is available on streets surrounding the Rose Garden; see a Roger Williams Park map.
Experience a fusion of live music and celestial wonder in the Cormack planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park. Inside the dome theatre, the stars shine above you in a fully immersive musical journey-no telescopes or outdoor viewing required.
Concerts Under the Stars: Spring Series
Upcoming Performances
Pell Lewis Freedman Trio
Thursday, April 23 | 6:30pm
Witness a dynamic exploration of the jazz tradition. This improvisational trio—featuring Ben Pell (guitar), Michael Lewis (drums), and Aaron Freedman (saxophone)—will compose new music live, inspired by the shifting visuals of the Planetarium program.
Cathy Clasper-Torch & Shelley Katsh
Wednesday, April 29 | 6:30pm
Settle in for an evening of “soul-feeding” melodies. This duo performs a diverse array of musical traditions, offering a deep and nourishing soundscape designed to complement the tranquility of the night sky.
Trois Gras
Thursday, June 18 | 6:30pm
Enjoy the classic organ jazz sound with this Providence-based trio. Performing standards and original compositions with a vintage spirit, the group features Elias Muhanna (organ), Ben Pell (guitar), and Michael Lewis (drums).
EVENT DETAILS
AUDIENCE: General (children must be age 4+)
COST: $20 per person | Museum Members: $17 per person
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Concert tickets must be reserved online, including for Museum Members. Availability is limited. All sales are final.
All attendees must have a ticket.
Museum opens at 6pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in.
Doors close promptly at 6:30pm and will not reopen—no late entry is permitted for visitor and musician safety once the concert begins.
