John Brown House Museum, Providence

This commanding, three-floor mansion sits almost atop College Hill adjacent to Brown University. The house was built in 1786 for the premier Providence merchant of his day, John Brown. Now, under the purview of the Rhode Island Historical Society, this mansion retains some of the original furniture and decorations including a nine-shell desk and bookcase that are thought to be among the greatest remnants of American Colonial furniture. Admission is USD7 for adults, and USD5.50 for senior citizens, and children—cash and personal checks only.