Museum Policies & Procedures

We look forward to your visit! Our goals are to provide a safe environment for all staff and visitors as we recreate the daily experience of tenant farmers on a late 18th-century salt marsh farm through live interpretation, historic structures, heirloom plants, and heritage-breed animals.

Please review our policies to ensure an enjoyable trip to the Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Coggeshall Farm Museum Policies

For the safety of all visitors and for our animals, please:

Watch your step! Our grounds and buildings are like those of 18th-century Rhode Island and maybe rougher than expected.
Do not walk or climb on stone walls, fences or trees.
Do not feed livestock or fowl without the permission of a staff member. This can be dangerous to you and unhealthy for our animals.
Coggeshall is a carry in-carry out site. Please carry out all trash. Remember that the grass you walk on is food for the museum’s livestock and must be kept clean of plastic and refuse for their health.
Do not attempt to pick up or hold livestock or fowl without the permission of a staff member.
Do not chase the animals.
With the exception of guide dogs, dogs are not permitted at Coggeshall Farm.
Please stay out of the pens, fenced-in pastures or barns containing livestock without permission of a staff member.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it rains?

Coggeshall Farm Museum is open rain or shine.

What are your hours and rates?

Click here to view our current hours and rates.

Where do I park?

Parking for Coggeshall Farm Museum visitors is available in one of our fields, marked by signage. Our parking lot is only accessible from the Poppasquash Road entrance.

What is your photography policy?

Photography in the museum is permitted for personal use and should not interfere with other visitors’ experiences. Please share your photos on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to tag us and use #coggeshallfarm.

Commercial and press photography, commercial artwork and other activities resulting in the creation of images from Coggeshall Farm Museum may be performed with authorization from the museum. Please note that photographers must pay admission or purchase a membership to gain access to the site for commercial photography.

Please note that visitors may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded while in the museum. While at Coggeshall, you grant the museum permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes.

Can I bring food or picnic on site?

You are welcome to bring your picnic lunch to enjoy at Coggeshall during your visit. We have several picnic tables, or you may spread out a blanket on our meadow overlooking the salt marsh. Please do not feed any of our farm animals, as they are all on strict diets that maintain their health. Please also note that alcoholic beverages and smoking are not allowed on the site.

How accessible is Coggeshall Farm?

Like many farms, the terrain at Coggeshall is a combination of flat, hilly and uneven ground. The site is rugged in places and may present challenges for people with mobility differences, particularly in wet, snowy or icy weather.

Although some find it manageable with a wheelchair, walker or stroller, others will find this difficult. If you need any special accommodations, please email us before you come so that we can meet you when you arrive and assist you in any way possible.

The historic farmhouse is ramped at one entrance.

We are currently exploring grant funding to improve accessibility to our unique site. For information on how you can support Coggeshall Farm Museum, please click here.

How long should I plan to visit?

We recommend allowing 1-2 hours to visit Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Are pets allowed?

While service animals are allowed at the Farm, we regret that pets are not allowed.

What else is there to do in Bristol, Rhode Island?

Coggeshall Farm Museum is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, one of the most colorfully historic and patriotic towns in the United States. Steeped in a rich history that spans three centuries, Bristol is a quintessential New England waterfront town.

We encourage you to visit the Explore Bristol website, a resource for visitors who wish to experience the rich history, outstanding restaurants, unrivaled waterfront and boutique shopping that abound in Bristol.

What should I wear?

We suggest dressing comfortably for the weather and wearing shoes that are good for walking and uneven terrain. You may also wish to bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Are restrooms available?

Portable toilets are available.

Is there anything else I should know before visiting Coggeshall Farm Museum?

As with any outdoor experience, there is always a small risk of environmental hazards at the Farm including sun, bugs, bees, hay allergies, etc. Please plan your trip accordingly and call 911 and alert our staff if a severe situation should arise. Thank you for coming and enjoy your visit!