Fish Ladder
River herring, an anadromous fish, live in the ocean and migrate upstream to spawn in freshwater ponds. A fish ladder was installed in the stream in front of the Birthplace by the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife in the 1960’s. This ladder allows thousands of migrating river herring to pass over the dam to spawn in the upper pond each spring. In early fall, the juvenile river herring journey downstream to the ocean.

A live video feed of the end stage of the herring migration can be found HERE.

Herb Garden
The Gilbert Stuart Museum herb garden showcases herbs original to the colonial period. Herbs were planted close to the kitchen door, making them readily available for use as food flavorings, tonics and medicines, teas, air fresheners, insect repellents, dyes, beauty treatments, and for superstitions. The museum’s herb garden provides a learning landscape for all visitors. The Plum Beach Garden Club designed, installed, and maintains this garden.

Nature Trails
Enjoy a stroll through the woods. Our well-marked and well-maintained nature trails cross our 23 acres of property. Enjoy views of our millpond, streams, stonewalls, the historic Burlingame and Hammond cemeteries, scenic overlooks of the marsh, and a panoramic view of the private 57-acre Carr Pond. Nature lovers can view a variety of woodland and water wonders. Over 85 species of birds have been sighted on the property.

Boat Rentals
Museum members have the exclusive right to rent one of our rowboats to fish or explore the tranquil and pristine 57-acre Carr Pond. Call (401-294-3001) to make a reservation.