Historical and Arts Society to host Richard Gifford

Feb 14, 2016

The Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society will be hosting guest speaker Richard Gifford on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Russells Mills Schoolhouse.

Gifford will be discussing William White and his descendants. White and his wife, Elizabeth Cadman, were the first occupants of the Handy House in Westport, now owned by the Westport Historical Society.

William was the grandson of Peregrine White, born on the Mayflower and the first English child born in New England.

The talk, "The Houses of the Descendants of William White," will discuss three general stores, two gristmills and numerous historic houses that were built or owned by descendants of William White in Westport, Dartmouth, Little Compton and Tiverton.

Gifford resides in Little Compton and has presented several talks on local genealogy and history. He is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Suggested donations are $5. Refreshments will be served. The Russells Mills Schoolhouse is located at 1205 Russells Mills Road.

For more information, send an email to info@DartmouthHAS.org.