Norman Bird Sanctuary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Smith–Gardiner–Norman Farm Historic District
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| Location | 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 129 acres (52 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Architect | Clarke and Howe |
| Architectural style | Federal, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000234 |
| Added to NRHP | June 16, 2008 |
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a special place in Middletown, Rhode Island. It's a huge area of about 325 acres (1.3 square kilometers) where birds and other wildlife are protected. It's also a center for learning about nature and has a museum. You can find it at 583 Third Beach Road, right by the Atlantic Ocean.
This sanctuary was created in 1949. It was made possible by a gift left in the will of Mabel Norman Cerio. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is the largest protected open space in Newport County. It has 325 acres and about 7 miles of hiking trails for you to explore. The area includes open fields, forests, and hills that look out over the ocean and ponds. A famous local spot called Hanging Rock is also inside the sanctuary. It offers great views of the ocean. There's also a Visitor's Center and a gift shop. Plus, you can visit a barn museum from the 1800s. It has cool displays about local wildlife for everyone to enjoy.
History of the Sanctuary
The land where the Norman Bird Sanctuary is today has a long farming history. It started in the early 1700s. A large piece of land was bought by Isaac Smith. He was from one of the first families to settle in the area. The main farmhouse on the property is a typical old house from the Colonial era. It has five sections across the front and a big chimney in the middle. This house was built around 1755.
In 1782, the property was about 200 acres (81 hectares). It was sold to Benjamin Gardiner to pay off debts. Later, in 1898, a businessman from Newport named George Norman bought the farm. By then, it was smaller, about 129 acres (52 hectares). His daughter, Mabel Norman Cerio, updated the house. She gave it a more modern look, called Colonial Revival. This main part of the sanctuary was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Images for kids
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A view of the sanctuary's landscape.
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Another scenic view within the sanctuary.
