Tomaquag Museum
About This Museum
People don't just wander into the Tomaquag Museum; they make a deliberate pilgrimage to listen. Tucked away on Summit Road, this isn't a sterile hall of artifacts but a vibrant space where Rhode Island's Indigenous voices, particularly the Narragansett and Niantic peoples, tell their own stories. You come here not to look at history, but to understand a living culture through its art, its baskets, and its powerful oral traditions. It feels less like a museum and more like an invitation into a continuous conversation.
Collection Highlights
The museum's soul is in its astounding collection of Northeastern wood-splint baskets, each one a testament to generations of skill and artistry. Don't miss the poignant exhibit on the 'Federal Acknowledgement' process, which powerfully documents the ongoing political journey of local tribes.
Visitor Information
It's located at 390A Summit Road in Exeter—definitely use your GPS, as it's a bit off the beaten path. Given its intimate size and profound impact, it's the kind of place you'll want to set aside a quiet afternoon for.
Architecture & Building
Housed in what feels like a converted rural homestead or large farmhouse-style building, its unassuming, domestic scale immediately sets a warm and personal tone.
Contact & Location
Address: Summit Road, Exeter, South County, Rhode Island, United States
Phone: +1 401-491-9063
Website: Visit Website
