Casey Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Casey Farm
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Casey Farm
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2325 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1725 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000006 |
| Added to NRHP | August 14, 1973 |
Casey Farm is a historic farm located in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, United States. It is now a museum property managed by Historic New England. The farm is open to the public, offering a glimpse into its long past.
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History of Casey Farm
Casey Farm is a very old farm, about 300 years old! It covers 300 acres (about 121 hectares) of land. The farm stretches from the Narrow River to Narragansett Bay. The main house was built around 1725 to 1750 by Daniel Coggeshall. Later, it became Silas Casey's home when he married Coggeshall's daughter. The farm stayed in the Casey family for many generations. Eventually, it was given to Historic New England (which was once called SPNEA) to be preserved.
Life on the Farm
For many years, Casey Farm grew food for people nearby and even for markets in other countries. Since it was close to Newport, Rhode Island, the farm could easily get goods imported from England. This allowed the early owners to live a comfortable and stylish life.
However, things changed during the American Revolutionary War. When Newport was burned, the farm faced tough times. After this, the Casey family often rented out the farm to other farmers. But they always kept two rooms in the house for their own summer visits. They saw the farm as their family's special ancestral home.
A Family Legacy
Several important members of the Casey family lived or spent summers at the farm. This included Silas Casey, a general during the Civil War. His son, Thomas Lincoln Casey, was a military engineer. Another family member, Edward Pearce Casey, became a famous architect in Washington, D.C.
In 1955, the farm and many old family papers were given to Historic New England. This organization works to protect and share important historical places.
Visiting Casey Farm Today
Today, Casey Farm is still a working farm, but with a modern twist! Hired farm workers grow organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These fresh products are grown for families who subscribe to a program called Community Supported Agriculture.
When you visit, you can take a guided tour of the farmyard. You can also see the cemetery where six generations of the Casey family are buried. Historic New England owns and operates the farm.
Programs for Kids
Casey Farm is a great place for children to learn and have fun! The farm has many special programs for kids during the school year and in the summer. The staff members, who are called "farm teachers," lead these programs.
- School Programs: In the fall and spring, schoolchildren can visit the farm for educational programs.
- Project Chick: Casey Farm works with schools across Rhode Island on a cool project called "Project Chick." Teachers and students get to raise and hatch chicks in incubators right in their classrooms!
- Summer Camps: During the summer, Historic New England offers different summer camps at Casey Farm. These camps are for children aged 3 to 13. There are week-long day camps and also single-day programs.
