Victorian Resort

Paralleling the growth in the US economy in the late 1800′s, Block Island enjoyed the reputation of a grand Victorian resort from the 1860′s to the 1920′s. Large hotels were built establishing Old Harbor and New Harbor after 1895, as city dwellers from New York, Boston, and Providence escaped the heat and enjoyed summers on the island. The islanders prospered from fishing and farming to support the burgeoning summer population and for export across to the mainland. The museum has many vintage photographs from this time period as well as clothing, postcards and collectible dish ware and souvenirs.