[CLOSED CAPTIONING HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY CARDI'S FURNITURE AND MATTRESSES] >> OUR TOWN: BRISTOW IS MADE POSSIBLE BY C. BRITO CONSTRUCTION.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS.

AND THE FOLLOWING BENEFACTOR SPONSORS.

HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM, PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF HERRESHOFF MANUFACTURING THROUGH EXHIBITS AND EDUCATION.

NORTH COAST BOATS.

BOAT BUILDERS OF DISHING AND RECREATIONAL BOATS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS.

BRISTOL OYSTER BAR, SERVING LOCALLY HARVESTED OYSTERS, FARM TO TABLE DINING SINCE 2014.

AND BY THE FOLLOWING PATRON SPONSOR.

LINDA.

♪ >> INCORPORATED IN 1746, BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND IS AT THE SOUTHERN POINT OF A PENINSULA THAT INCLUDES BRISTOL COUNTY.

ENCOMPASSING AN AREA JUST OVER 20 SQUARE MILES, IT IS KNOWS SURPRISE HALF OF THOSE MILES ARE WATER.

WHILE BRISTOL MAY BE CONSIDERED BY SOME TO BE A SMALL TOWN, ITS NEARLY 23,000 RESIDENTS WILL TELL YOU WHAT IT LACKS IN SIZE, IT MAKES UP FOR IN SIGNIFICANCE.

THE TOWN IS TEEMING WITH TRADITION AND HISTORY, FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND FAMILIES AT THE CENTER OF THE SLAVE TRADE TO THE OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY CELEBRATED FOURTH OF JULY IN THE COUNTRY.

RESIDENTS AND VISITORS NO BRISTOL'S FOR ITS OPEN SPACE, THE EAST BAY BIKE PATH, AND DOZENS OF MUSEUMS AND SHOPS THAT LINE MAIN STREET.

IN THE NEXT HOUR, RESDENTS WILL SHARE WITH YOU THEIR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE TOWN AS WE TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY THAT IS THEIR VISION, THEIR VOICE.

THIS IS "OUR TOWN: BRISTOL."

>> I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BLITHEWOLD ARBORETUM.

BLITHEWOLD WAS CREATED IN THE 1890'S BY THE VAN WICKLE FAMILY.

BESSIE AND AUGUSTUS HAD TWO DAUGHTERS.

THEY WANTED TO CREATE A PROPERTY AND A PLACE AND A HOME THAT WAS WELCOMING TO ALL OF THEIR FRIENDS AND THEIR FAMILY, EVEN THE COMMUNITY.

A LOT OF TIMES, THE FAMILY WOULD BE OUTSIDE AND THEY WOULD BE HERE AS A SUMMER RESIDENCE.

THEY WOULD USE THE WATERFRONT, THE SHORELINE, FOR KAYAKING, SAILING, WATER SPORTS INCLUDING WATERSKIING.

THEY WOULD ENTERTAIN.

THEY WOULD HAVE FOURTH OF JULY PARTIES AND MEMORIAL DAY PARTIES.

THE CHILDREN FROM THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY WOULD ALWAYS BE WELCOMED.

WE HAVE VIDEO OF THE FAMILY FLYING A BIPLANE ACROSS THE GREAT LAWN.

MARJORIE WAS ADVENTUROUS, AND SHE AND HER HUSBAND GEORGE WOULD TRAVEL TO WONDERFUL PLACES AND BRING THEIR STORIES AND EXPERIENCES BACK TO BLITHEWOLD TO SHARE WITH THE FAMILY.

THEY WERE HERE TO ENJOY THE PROPERTY, BUT THEY ARE A FAMILY THAT WANTED TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

MARJORIE VOLUNTEERED FOR THE RED CROSS AS A DRIVER.

GEORGE SERVED IN THE MILITARY.

MARJORIE WAS GETTING OLDER.

SHE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE PROPERTY WOULD BE MAINTAINED AND OPENED AND ENJOYED BY THE PUBLIC.

SHE AND HER HUSBAND GEORGE NEVER HAD CHILDREN OF THEIR OWN, SO SHE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT HAD BEEN CREATED BY HER MOTHER AND FATHER WAS HERE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO ENJOY.

SHE BEQUEATHED IT TO A NONPROFIT TO KEEP IT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

WE EMBRACE THE SAME TRADITIONS THE FAMILY DID.

WITH OUR PROGRAMS, WE TRY TO APPEAL TO ALL GENERATIONS AND EVERYONE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS.

WE HAVE SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN, MUSIC AT SUNSET SERIES, WE DO WEDDINGS AND EVENTS AT CHRISTMAS, WE HAVE A WONDERFUL DISPLAY.

THE MANSION IS DECORATED FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

WHAT IS ALSO NICE IS, PEOPLE CAN COME TO THE MANSION, ENJOY CHRISTMAS OR EVEN THE APRIL DAFFODILS, AND ENJOY TEA IN THE DINING ROOM IN THE AFTERNOON.

WE DO A LOT OF HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS.

WE DO NATURE WALKS, ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS, WE DO A LOT IN SHARING THE STORY OF THE FAMILY.

WE WERE LUCKY WHEN THE FAMILY PASSED ON THAT THEY LEFT US WITH ALL THE ARCHIVES, THE LETTERS, JOURNALS, PHOTOGRAPHS, FAMILY COSTUMES.

WE CAN INTERPRET THE FAMILY AND SHARE THE FAMILY WITH OTHERS.

THAT, COMBINED WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE GARDENS, THAT COMBINED WITH THE 45 ROOM MANSION THAT IS OPEN FOR TOURS THAT INCLUDES THE ORIGINAL FURNISHING AND ARTWORKS, GIVES PEOPLE A SENSE OF NOT ONLY THE FAMILY AND OF THE TIMES, SO FOLKS CAN SLOW DOWN AND STEP BACK IN TIME.

>> I AM REVEREND BURTON BAGBY-GROSE, PASTOR AT THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, FOUNDED IN 1680 WHEN THE TOWN WAS FOUNDED.

SPEAKING OF FOUNDERS, THERE ARE 4 FOUNDERS OF THE TOWN OF BRISTOL, AND ALSO OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

THEY ARE THE SAME 4 PEOPLE.

NATHANIEL BYFIELD, JOHN WALLY, STEPHEN BURTON, AND ANOTHER NATHANIEL, NATHANIEL OLIVER.

ONE OF THE FUN THINGS TO LOOK AT IS THE MEMBERSHIP LEDGER THAT YOU CAN SEE.

YOU SEE THE NAMES OF THOSE 4 PEOPLE, AND OTHER FAMILIAR NAMES.

ONE OF THE NOTED LANDMARKS IN TOWN IS THE PERRY RIGO HOUSE AND MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THIS WAS THE FIRST MEETING PLACE FOR THE CONGREGANTS FOR WHAT WAS THE ONLY CHURCH IN TOWN, THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND THE BUILDING STILL STANDS AS A WONDERFUL TESTAMENT TO THE HISTORY OF BRISTOL.

THE MEETING HOUSE HAD PULPIT PANELS IN IT AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE ONE OF THOSE PULPIT PANELS.

IT IS NOTED BY YALE UNIVERSITY THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PIECES OF INTERIOR CHURCH ARCHITECTURE REMAINING IN AMERICA.

IT IS FROM 1687.

THIS PLAQUE COMMEMORATES THE PASTORATE OF REVEREND SAMUEL LEE.

HE WAS MUCH LOVED HERE BUT HE LOVED ENGLAND AND WANTED TO GO HOME AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF SERVING OUR CHURCH, SO HE BOARDED A BRITISH SHIP TO HEAD HOME, BUT THE SHIP WAS CAPTURED BY FRENCH PIRATES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY HE SADLY DIED IN A FRENCH PRISON.

ONE OF THE INTERESTING THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AND LEARN ABOUT IS THE BRITISH BOMBARDMENT OF BRISTOL IN 1775.

PEOPLE BEGAN FLEEING, INCLUDING REVEREND JOHN BURT.

HE WAS THE MINISTER AT THE TIME AT THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, AND AS HE FLED, HE WAS STRUCK AND KILLED BY WHAT WE THINK, WE THINK WE HAVE THE CANNONBALL BECAUSE THERE WAS A CANNONBALL FOUND NEXT TO HIS BODY.

WE ALSO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT OF REVEREND HENRY WHITE.

HE WAS THE FOUNDER OF WHAT HAS BECOME THE OLDEST AND LARGEST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE ARE THE CHURCH OF THE FIRST, THE FIRST MAINLINE CHURCH TO ORDAIN AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN 1783, THE FIRST CHURCH TO ELECT A WOMAN AS A PASTOR IN 1853, THEN IN 1972, THE FIRST MAINLINE CHURCH TO BEGIN ORDAINING GAYS AND LESBIANS.

SO WE ARE ABOUT NOT WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT, BUT ABOUT PROCLAIMING THAT WE ARE ALL IN AND WE ARE ALL WELCOME.

WE PRACTICE OPEN COMMUNION AND WE BELIEVE IT IS CHRIST'S TABLE AND ALL ARE WELCOME.

>> ROGERS FREE LIBRARY WAS FOUNDED IN 1877 IN HONOR OF MARIAH ROGERS' LATE HUSBAND.

THE BUILDING STOOD TWO AND ONE HALF STORIES TALL AND WAS DESIGNED AT THE COST OF $20,000.

OUR MISSION, TO PROMOTE LIFELONG LEARNING, ENCOURAGE THE JOYS OF READING, AND SUPPORT THE INTEREST OF ITS PATRONS.

FAST-FORWARD TO THE YEAR 2000.

IN NOVEMBER, BRISTOLIANS VOTED TO EXPAND AND EQUIPPING NEW LIBRARY.

A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN WAS INITIATED TO RAISE THE REST OF THE FUNDING.

THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH GRANTS AND SIGNIFICANT PRIVATE DONATIONS.

IN 2007, THE LIBRARY MOVED TO A TEMPORARY LOCATION WHILE THE NEW BUILDING WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE ORIGINAL BUILDING WAS REFURBISHED AND JOINED TO THE ADJACENT BUILDING, WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN A FURNITURE STORE.

IN ORDER TO JOIN THE BUILDINGS THROUGH THE INTERIOR, ARCHITECTURES -- ARCHITECTS CUT AND ARCH BETWEEN THE BUILDINGS.

IT SERVES AS A SYMBOL OF REIFICATION.

THE NEW LIBRARY OPENED TO AN EAGERLY AWAITING PUBLIC.

THE BRAND-NEW 28,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE, EQUIPPED WITH 40 COMPUTERS, MEETING ROOMS, AND PLENTY OF SHELF SPACE.

CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ENJOY CHESS LESSONS, LEGO BUILDING AND STORYTIME.

TEENAGERS TAKE PART IN BOOK CLUBS AND OPEN MIC NIGHTS.

ADULTS COME TO ATTEND BOOK CLUBS, COOKING AND FIBER ARTS CLASSES, AND MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN.

WE SHINE IN THE SUMMERTIME.

IN OUR OPINION, IT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR.

WE WATCH THE COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER AND SHARE ITS JOY OF READING.

A READING THEME IS ESTABLISHED AND ACTIVITIES SUPPORT THE THEME.

PEOPLE OF ALL STORIES -- OF ALL AGES CAN WIN PRIZES AND CHILDREN PARADE IN COSTUME TO SHOW THEIR LOVE OF READING.

A STRONG ADVOCATE OF INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM, THE LIBRARY ENDEAVORS TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF CITIZENS.

ROGERS FREE LIBRARY HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE HEART OF BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND.

WE ARE HAPPY TO SERVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES AND LOOK FORWARD TO GROWING WITH YOU IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

>> WELCOME TO ST. MICHAEL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND.

THIS IS OUR 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MICHAEL'S, ESTABLISHED IN 1718.

I AM A LONGTIME MEMBER, WRIST ALL -- BRISTOLIAN.

I WAS MARRIED HERE, MY MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER WERE MARRIED HERE.

ST. MICHAEL'S HAS QUITE A HISTORY, ORGANIZED IN 1718, FIRST ERECTED IN 1720, BURNED BY THE BRITISH IN 1778.

IT WAS LATER REMOVED TO MAKE WAY FOR A LARGER CHURCH.

THE THIRD CHURCH BURNED IN 1858.

THE FOURTH CHURCH BURNED IN 1860, AND THAT IS THE ONE WE SEE HERE.

THE BRITISH BURNED IT BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THERE WERE MUNITIONS STORED IN THE BASEMENT.

IT WAS ACTUALLY STORED IN THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UP THE STREET.

THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH, YOU NOTICE THE BEAUTIFUL FLAGS OF THE STATE, THE NATION, ST. MICHAEL'S FLAG AND OTHERS.

AND THE BEAUTIFUL STAINED GLASS WINDOWS.

WE WILL TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME OF THOSE WINDOWS NOW.

THIS FIRST WINDOW WAS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF THEODORA, MOTHER OF SAMUEL OF COLD PISTOL --CO -- COLT PISTOL FAME.

FURIOUS IS SAINT MICHAEL AND THE INSIGNIA OF ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.

MOUNT HOPE IS IN THE BACKGROUND ON THE WATERS OF THE BAY IN FRONT.

THIS WINDOW WAS GIVEN BY MY MOTHER AND FATHER FOR HER MOTHER AND FATHER.

THERE IS A FARM, THEIR BELOVED LOCATION.

MY GRANDFATHER IN A BOAT ON THE FAR RIGHT CORNER, AND YOU CAN EVEN SEE THE H ON HIS SWEATER FOR HIS BELOVED HARVARD UNIVERSITY.

THIS WINDOW, ALSO GIVEN BY SAMUEL COLT, WAS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF HIS SON WHO DIED AT THE YOUNG AGE OF NINE.

YOU SEE HIS IMAGE IN THE LEFT-HAND PANEL.

THIS LAST WINDOW IS IN MEMORY OF JOHN HOWE.

IT IS A TIFFANY WINDOW, DONE BY TIFFANY.

IT WAS GIVEN BY HIS PARENTS.

HE DIED ALSO AT AN EARLY AGE, 19.

IT WAS ALSO GIVEN IN MEMORY OF HIS GRANDFATHER, WHO DIED IN THE SAME YEAR, BISHOP MARC ANTHONY DEWOLF HOWE.

>> THE HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE THE 1970'S, STARTED BY THE HERRESHOFF FAMILY.

IT IS ABOUT THE HERRESHOFF MANUFACTURING COMPANY, WHICH WAS IN BUSINESS FROM 1878-1945.

HERRESHOFF MANUFACTURING WAS ON THE SPOT WHERE THE MUSEUM IS TODAY AND IT WAS A LARGE COMPANY, 300-400 EMPLOYEES.

THE MUSEUM IS ALSO ABOUT THE TWO BROTHERS WHO FOUNDED THE COMPANY, MATT AND JOHN HERRESHOFF.

A WERE REALLY INTO STEAM TECHNOLOGY.

AT THE TIME, IN THE 1870'S, STEAM WAS THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY OF THE DAY.

THE BROTHERS WERE VERY FOCUSED ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO INNOVATE WITH STEAM TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE THE ENGINES SMALLER AND LIGHTER SO THEY COULD FIT IN BOATS.

FOR THE FIRST 12 YEARS IN BUSINESS, THAT S ALL THEY DID, THEY JUST DID STEAM POWERED BOATS.

THEY GOT THE ORDER, THE CONTRACT TO DESIGN AND BUILD A DEFENDER FOR THE 1893 AMERICA'S CUP.

HERRESHOFF MANUFACTURING PLAYED A ROLE FROM THAT TIME IN 1893 UNTIL 1934.

DURING THAT TIMEFRAME, THE HERRESHOFF COMPANY BUILT ALL EIGHT SUCCESSFUL DEFENDERS OF THE AMERICA'S CUP.

IT WAS BUILT FOR THE 1903 AMERICA'S CUP.

THE RELIANCE WAS THE BIGGEST SINGLE MAST SAILBOAT IN THE WORLD FOR 100 YEARS.

IT WAS NOT UNTIL 2003 THAT SOMEBODY BUILT A BIGGER ONE.

WE ARE SITTING IN THE MODEL ROOM.

EVERY BOAT THAT WAS BUILT BY THE HERRESHOFF MANUFACTURING COMPANY STARTED WITH A MODEL LIKE THESE.

MATT WOULD CARVE THIS, THEN TAKE THE MEASUREMENTS OFF THE HULL AND HAD IT TO THE LOFT AND THEY COULD BUILD THE BOAT.

FROM THE TIME THE BOAT WAS ORDERED UNTIL THE TIME THEY BEGAN BUILDING IT WAS WEEKS INSTEAD OF MONTHS.

IN ADDITION TO THESE MODELS, IT INCLUDES 70 VOTES.

THE GREAT THING ABOUT THE HERRESHOFF MUSEUM IS THAT BRISTOL IS VERY MUCH THE CENTER OF MARINE TECHNOLOGY EVEN TODAY, AND THE HERRESHOFF MANY FACTORING COMPANY WAS THE BEGINNING OF THAT IN 1870'S.

AT THE MUSEUM, WE RUN A CLASSIC REGATTA THAT TAKES PLACE IN AUGUST.

WE HAVE EVENTS AT THE FOURTH OF JULY, A LECTURE SERIES THAT HAPPENS ON THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH.

HERRESHOFF EDUCATION PROGRAM INCLUDES A SAILING AND SEAMANSHIP PROGRAM IN THE SUMMER, AND ELEMENTS OF PROJECTS THAT WE DO IN OUR BOAT SHOP.

THAT IS ONE WAY TO ENJOY THE MUSEUM.

YOU CAN ALSO BECOME A MEMBER, STOP BY IF YOU HAVE A BOAT.

YOU CAN TIE IT UP AT OUR DOCK AND ENJOY THE MUSEUM.

>> WELCOME TO LINDEN PLACE, LOCATED ON HOPE STREET IN DOWNTOWN BRISTOL.

LINDEN PLACE WAS BULT IN 1810 BY GEORGE DEWOLF, THE THIRD GENERATION OF THE DEWOLF FAMILY WILL PARTICIPATED IN THE SLAVE TRADE.

IT WAS DESIGNED AND TILT FOR 60,000 BUILT -- $60,000.

IT WOULD COST MILLIONS OF BUILT TODAY.

LINDEN PLACE WAS OWNED BY SEVEN GENERATIONS OF THE SAME FAMILY.

ONE OF THE FIRST SITES THAT GREETS YOU IS THIS MAGNIFICAT 3.5 STORY STAIRCASE MADE OF WALNUT.

GEORGE FOUND HE WAS FACING IRREVERSIBLE FINANCIAL LOSSES.

FOR THIS REASON, HE TOOK HIS FAMILY AND THEY FLED TO A FAMILY PLANTATION IN CUBA.

A SHORT TIME AFTER GEORGE AND HIS FAMILY FLED TO CUBA, THE HOUSE BECAME OWNED BY WILLIAM HENRY DEWOLF, GEORGE'S FIRST COUSIN.

A FEW YEARS AFTER OWNING THE MANSION, ONE OF -- WILLIAM HENRY FOUND HIMSELF IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY.

HE FLED, LEAVING THE HOUSE IN THE OWNERSHIP OF HIS WIFE, WHOSE FAMILY GAVE BRISTOL THE MONEY FOR ITS FIRST PUBLIC LIBRARY.

SARAH NEEDED THE MEANS TO KEEP THE MANSION AFLOAT, AND TO DO THIS, SHE TURNED IT INTO A BOARDING HOUSE.

ONE OF HER MOST PROMINENT LONG-TERM TENANTS WAS AMBROSE BURNSIDE, WHO CAME TO BRISTOL TO ESTABLISH AN ARMAMENT FACTORY.

BURNSIDE WENT TO FIGHT IN THE CIVIL WAR.

SARAH DIED JUST BEFORE THE CIVIL WAR ENDED AND LINDEN PLACE FELL INTO DISPUTED OWNERSHIP.

IT WAS PUT UP FOR AUCTION.

THE NEXT OWNER TURNED OUT TO BE THEODORE A -- THEODORA DEWOLF COLT.

SHE CAME TO BRISTOL WITH HER THREE YOUNGEST CHILDREN.

HER CHILDREN WORK -- WERE SAMU EL, ISABEL.

THEY WERE GIVEN AN EDUCATION.

USING HIS EDUCATION, SAMUEL BECAME A WEALTHY MAN AND WAS INVOLVED IN SEVERAL BUSINESSES.

HE WAS A GREAT BENEFACTOR TO THE TOWN IN THAT HE PROVIDED THE FIRST AMBULANCE AND SUCK -- SABA CAN -- THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WATER SYSTEM.

ANOTHER THING WAS THE COLT MEMORIAL SCHOOL.

HE HAD IT BUILT TO HONOR HIS MOTHER AFTER HER DEATH.

HE CREATED A HUGE DAIRY FARM FROM 4 OLD COLONIAL FARMS, GIVING EMPLOYMENT TO FURTHER B4RISTOLIANS.

THE FARM WAS TAKEN OVER BY THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TO BECOM COLT STATE PARK.

IT IS EVIDENT THAT SAMUEL'S GOOD DEEDS DID A LOT TO ERASE THE STIGMA THAT GEORGE HAD LEFT OVER THE TOWN.

>> I AM RAYMOND.

THE BRISTOL TRAIN OF ARTILLERY WAS INCORPORATED IN FEBRUARY, 1776 IN BRISTOL.

IT WAS ONE OF THE MANY MILITIAS STANDING UP AT THAT TIME, IN WHAT WOULD ULTIMATELY BE THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

THE MUSEUM IS THE HISTORIC ARMORY, THE PRESENT BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED AROUND 1840.

IT CONTAINS ARTIFACTS FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, MANY FROM THE CIVIL WAR, AND ARTIFACTS FROM OTHER CONFLICTS UP THROUGH, UP TO, I SHOULD SAY, WORLD WAR I, WHEN THE CONCEPT OF NATIONAL GUARD OVERSHADOWED THE PREVIOUS MILITIAS.

AT THAT TIME, THE HISTORIC MILITIAS BECAME CEREMONIAL.

THE ORGANIZATION IS BUSY MAINTAINING THE ARMORY ITSELF.

WE STARTED ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO WITH A ROOF-DOWN RENOVATION, AND WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP IT HISTORICALLY CORRECT.

WE HAVE A MAJOR PROJECT GOING ON NOW WITH A HUGE DISPLAY CASE BEING REBUILT TO COMPLEMENT THE GREAT HALL AND THE MUSEUM.

THIS AFTERNOON, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SHOWING OFF OUR NEW COLONIAL UNIFORMS.

OUR 40 PLUS MEMBERS, IN ADDITION TO BEING THE INDIVIDUALS THAT DON THE UNIFORMS AND PARTICIPATE IN PARADES IN BRISTOL, WE HAVE OUR CELEBRATIONS ON MEMORIAL DAY, VETERANS DAY, AND WE ALSO SUPPORT THE BOY SCOUTS AND CUB SCOUTS IN BRISTOL.

THE ARMORY IS ALWAYS THERE TO SUPPORT SPORTS TEAMS AT BRISTOL HIGH SCHOOL.

THE BGA AS WE KNOW IT IS THE ONLY RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL MILITIA REMAINING TO MY KNOWLEDGE.

IT HAS HAD AN UNBROKEN CHARTER SINCE THAT TIME.

WELL OVER 200 YEARS, WE HAVE BEEN AN ORGANIZATION IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TOGETHER.

WE ARE THERE TO PRESERVE A LITTLE BIT OF BRISTOL AND RHODE ISLAND HISTORY AND NATIONAL HISTORY, AND FOR THOSE INTERESTED, WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU.

>> I AM LIKE, FIRE CHIEF FOR THE BRISTOL FIRE DEPARTMENT.

BRISTOL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ITS VOLUNTEERS CAME INTO EXISTENCE IN THE EARLY 1800S.

THERE WERE SEVERAL PUMPHOUSE IS LOCATED ON MAIN STREET THAT HOUSED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRE APPARATUS.

AS TIME WENT ON, THE NEED TO ORGANIZE THESE FIREFIGHTING PERSONNEL BECAME APPARENT.

IN 1836, THE FIRST CHARTERED HYDRAULIC FIRE COMPANY WAS FORMED.

>> THE COMPANY WAS FOUNDED IN 1830 SIX ORIGINALLY.

IT BECAME A CHARTERED ORGANIZATION IN 1843.

IT BECAME ONE OF THE OLDEST CHARTER VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES IN THE COUNTRY.

TO MY RIGHT, THE ORIGINAL TUB WHERE THE WATER WOULD BE PLACED IN THE CENTER, PUMPED BY HAND ON EITHER SIDE TO PRESSURIZE THE WATER AND GET IT DOWN THE HOSE LINES.

THIS IS THE 1934 FIRE TRUCK, pORIGINAL TO THIS COMPANY.

IT IS RUN ON A SIX-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINE, STILL OPERATIONAL.

WE USE IT FOR PARADES.

>> I AM WILLIAM FROM FIRE HOSE COMPANY NUMBER ONE.

WE WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1903.

WE WERE CHARTERED IN 1905.

WE PROTECT THE NORTHERN PART OF BRISTOL.

WE HAVE A RESERVE PUMPER AND A FRONTLINE PUMPER AND A BRUSH TRUCK.

THE BACKUP APPARATUS IS SET UP FOR BRUSH CONTROL.

WE HAVE A PART OF TOWN THAT HAS LIMITED WATER SUPPLY.

WE HAVE TO PUMP OUT OF SWIMMING POOLS AND PONDS, SO THE RESERVE TRUCK IS SET UP FOR THAT.

>> I AM CURRENTLY THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF COMPANY NUMBER ONE.

WE WERE ORIGINALLY STARTED AROUND 1843.

THE DREADNOUGHT NAME IS 2 NAMES PUT TOGETHER.

PEOPLE NORMALLY ASSUME DREADNOUGHT MEANS EITHER BATTLESHIP OR GUITAR, WHICH IT DOES, BUT THE WAY WE SPELL IT MEANS "FEAR NOTHING TO COME -- FEAR NOTHING."

WE HAVE THE BURNING UNIT, MARINE ONE, HEAVY RESCUE WHICH IS TRUCK 6, LADDER TRUCK, AND ENGINE 4.

IN 1899, OUR STATION SUFFERED A FIRE.

IT WAS REPLACED WITH THE CURRENT ONE WE SEE HERE IN EARLY 1900.

THE ADDITION IN 1960 TO HOUSE AT THE TIME A SNORKEL FIRE APPARATUS.

>> THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THIS DEPARTMENT CONTINUE IN THE FINEST TRADITIONS AND DEDICATION OF THE COMMUNITY OF BRISTOL.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

>> ONE A MISS SERA AND I AM THE DIRECTOR OF THE BRISTOL DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU TO THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND GIVE YOU SOME HISTORY ABOUT HOW WE ACQUIRED THIS BUILDING.

IN 2006, THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, IDENTIFIED THE ARMY RESERVE CENTER FOR REALIGNMENT.

ALL AGENCIES INTERESTED IN ACQUIRING THE BUILDING HAD TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL OUTLINING HOW THEY WOULD REUSE THE BUILDING.

THE TOWN OF BRISTOL'S PROPOSAL DETAILED HOW THE BUILDING WOULD BE TRANSFORMED INTO A VIBRANT COMMUNITY CENTER, WHAT -- AS WELL AS THE HOME FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.

IN 2013, FOLLOWING AN EIGHT-YEAR DECOMMISSION PROCESS, THE BUILDING WAS GIVEN TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR FREE TO USE IN PERPETUITY.

WE ARE NOW IN OUR FIFTH YEAR OF OPERATION, AND HAVE BUILT AN AMAZING COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE GREAT INSTRUCTORS THAT RUN HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES.

WE HAVE A DROP IN TEEN CENTER.

WE RUN CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS IN DANCE, SPORTS, ROBOTICS.

WE HAVE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, PICKLE BALL, BADMINTON.

OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAM IS THE BRISTOL SUMMER CAMP.

WE WILL HAVE ABOUT 500 CHILDREN IN TOWN THAT WILL SPEND THEIR SUMMERS WITH US AT THE SPORTS COMPLEX, AND WE HAVE LOTS OF ACTIVITIES AND IT IS A BEAUTIFUL SPOT.

WE ALSO HAVE SUPPORT GROUPS THAT MEET HERE.

WE RUN MANY SPECIAL EVENTS.

>> WE ARE STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN OF HOPE.

IT WAS BUILT IN COLLABORATION WITH A FOUNDATION TO RECOGNIZE AND SUPPORT ALL WOMEN SUFFERING FROM BREAST CANCER.

IT IS REALLY CREATED TO BE A PEACEFUL PLACE OF CONTEMPLATION AND MEMORY.

WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT IN OUR PARKS.

WE HAVE 19 PARKS IN BRISTOL AND THEY ARE UTILIZED FOR A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PURPOSES.

THE TOWN BEACH, WE HAVE RENOVATED THE WHOLE FACILITY DOWN THERE.

WE HAVE 4 SOCCER FIELDS AND 4 BASEBALL-SOFTBALL FIELDS.

WE HAVE 2 BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURTS, PICNIC AREAS, BASKETBALL COURTS, TENNIS COURTS, ANYTHING YOU NEED TO DO, YOU CAN DO AT THE TOWN BEACH.

>> PARKS AND RECREATION HAS A LONG AND STORIED HISTORY AND WE HAD OUR -- WE ARE FORTUNATE TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM LEADERS AND THE PUBLIC.

OUR HOPE IS TO CONTINUE SERVICING THE COMMUNITY WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES AND ALL RESIDENTS.

>> THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND IS THE STATES OLDEST CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION, FOUNDED IN 1897 TO PROTECT THE SLAUGHTER OF BIRDS -- PROTECT AGAINST THE SLAUGHTER OF BIRDS.

WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION SEPARATE FROM THE NATIONAL AUDUBON.

WE STRIVE TO PROTECT BIRDS AND WILDLIFE, BUT WE ALSO LOOK TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT NATURE AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO PROTECT OUR VALUABLE NATURAL RESOURCES.

THE AUDUBON SOCIETY IS VERY PROUD TO HAVE ONE OF THE STRONGEST ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE STATE.

THE AUDUBON SOCIETY AND EDUCATION CENTER OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN 2000.

THE LAND BELONGED TO THE DELAURIA FAMILY.

MOST OF THE PROPERTY WAS A FARM WHERE CROPS WERE GROWN.

WHEN CLEARED -- WHEN THE FAMILY LEFT THE PROPERTY TO BRISTOL, TO THE AUDUBON SOCIETY, SHE WISHED THEM TO PRESERVE THE PROPERTY IN ITS NATURAL STATE OR SELL IT AND USE THE PROCEEDS TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF OTHER LAND OF COMPARABLE NATURE THAT PEOPLE MIGHT ENJOY.

RECOGNIZING THE UNIQUE COMBINATION OF HABITAT ON THIS LONG, NARROW HABITAT, AUDUBON DECIDED TO BUILD THE EDUCATION CENTER CHEWING GAUGE THE COMMUNITY WITH NATURE-RELATED PROGRAMS, LECTURES, WALKS AND SUMMER CAMPS.

OUR NATURALISTS SEE OVER 20,000 KIDS IN THE CLASSROOM.

THEY COME HERE TO THE EDUCATION CENTER.

AND WE ARE BRINGING KIDS OUT INTO NATURE ON THE TRAILS SO THEY HAVE A HANDS-ON SCIENTIFIC-BASED EXPERIENCE WHERE THEY CAN LEARN ABOUT NATURE OUTSIDE.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT TO KIDS AT AN EARLY AGE SO THEY HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENVIRONMENT, BECAUSE IF THEY UNDERSTAND IT AS LEADERS IN THE FUTURE, THEY WILL HAVE THE RESOURCES AND THE LOVE OF NATURE THAT THEY WILL WANT TO HELP PROTECT IT.

WHILE CHILDREN PARTICULARLY ENJOY THE AQUARIUM EXHIBITS AND SPECIAL FAMILY PROGRAMS, ADULTS COME TO LECTURES, CLASSES AND GUIDED WALKS.

EASY WALKING TRAILS START FROM THE CENTER AND TAKE VISITORS TO THE MEADOW TO A BOARDWALK THAT INTERSECTS THE BIKE PATH.

THE BOARDWALK WINDS THROUGH A VARIETY OF HABITATS INCLUDING SWAMP, MARSHLANDS AND ENDS WITH A BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF NARRAGANSETT BAY.

WE HAVE AN EVENT CALLED RAPTOR WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COME TO SEE HAWKS, OWLS, EAGLES, OSPREY, YOU NAME IT.

IT IS A FUN EVENT.

WE ARE PROUD TO PROTECT IMPORTANT HABITAT IN THIS TOWN.

I HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS VERY SOON.

>> BRISTOL IS A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY.

WE ARE LEFT TO BE HERE.

IT IS A MICROCOSM OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.

RW CAME TO BRISTOL IN 1969 AND WE HAVE BEEN PART OF THE COMMUNITY EVER SINCE.

WE STARTED OUT SMALL ON 40 ACRES OF LAND.

NOW WE ARE ON 140 ACRES.

WE HAD A COUPLE THOUSAND STUDENTS EARLY ON AND NOW WE HAVE MORE THAN 4000 UNDERGRADUATES, PLUS CONTINUING STUDIES, LAW STUDENTS COME A GRADUATE STUDENTS.

WE ARE BETWEEN 5000-6000 STUDENTS.

IT HASN'T BEEN DRAMATIC GROWTH IN THE SENSE THAT WE ARE TAKING OVER THE COMMUNITY, BUT WE ARE CERTAINLY A BIGGER FOOTPRINT THAN A FEW YEARS AGO.

OUR PURPOSE IN BEING AN UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION IS TO MAKE SURE THE STUDENTS THAT WE HAVE OUR BEING PREPARED FOR THE WORLD THEY WILL GO INTO.

SOMETIMES, PEOPLE THINK THAT MEANS WE NEED TO TRAIN THEM HOW TO BE AN ENGINEER OR ACCOUNTANT AND THAT OF COURSE IS TRUE, BUT BEYOND THAT, WE NEED TO EDUCATE THEM ON HOW TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN.

TO DO THAT, WE HAVE TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO ENGAGE IN THE BROADER COMMUNITY WHILE THEY ARE STILL UNDERGRADUATE SO THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE WORLD IS ALL ABOUT.

WE HAVE TO TEACH STUDENTS HOW ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY IN THE RIGHT WAY CREATES THESE KINDS OF MUTUAL BENEFITS.

THIS IS THEIR HOME FOR FOUR YEARS AND WE WANT THEM TO TREAT THAT HOME IN THE SAME WAY THEY WOULD THEIR HOMETOWN.

>> SINCE 2005, ROGER WILLIAMS TRADITION HAS BEEN TO SEND THE ENTIRE INCOMING CLASS OF STUDENTS TO DO A DAY OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS HAVE LOGGED 6500 HOURS OF SERVICE IN 25 DIFFERENT NONPROFITS.

WE WANT STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WILL BE THEIR HOME FOR FOUR YEARS SO THEY CAN SEE IT AS THEIRS AND THEY BECOME INVESTED IN IT.

THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE HAS WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE BRISTOL CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO WORK ON TREE MAPPING AND PLANTING.

WE HAVE ARMED STUDENTS WITH KNOWLEDGE AND TOOLS TO HELP OTHERS LEARN HOW TO BE GREAT STEWARDS OF THE TREES.

WE HAVE WORKED WITH SAVE THE DAY FOR THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM EVERY YEAR SINCE 2005 AND WE PARTICIPATED AS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP.

STUDENTS DO 2 LOCATIONS IN THE AREA ALONG WITH STAFF AND SAVE THE DAY.

STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT STEWARDSHIP OF THE BAY, HOW IMPORTANT IS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE, AND THEY DO SOME WONDERFUL WORK THROUGH SERVICE.

IT IS PICKING THINGS UP, RECORDING THE DEBRIS THAT IS PICKED UP SO PEOPLE CAN ANALYZE WHAT POLLUTANTS ARE COMING IN.

THE COURT IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SITES.

STUDENTS HAVE LEFT THEIR HOME COMMUNITIES AND OFTENTIMES, THE GRANDPARENTS.

WE SEND 2 TEAMS IN EVERY YEAR.

THEY PLAY BINGO AND SERVE MEALS AND WASH CARS.

THERE IS GREAT INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATION HAPPENING THAT DAY.

IT IS A WONDERFUL THING TO SEE THE SENIORS WELCOME OUR STUDENTS INTO THEIR HOME BECAUSE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS, THIS IS A PARTNERSHIP.

IT IS NOT JUST SERVING PEOPLE BUT WORKING WITH PEOPLE.

THE BEAUTY OF THE SERVICE PROGRAMS IS THAT THERE -- THEY ARE AS FLUID AS THE CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY.

OUR JOB IS TO MEET THE COMMUNITY WHERE THE NEEDS ARE AND DO WHAT WE CAN TO MATCH THAT WITH THE WONDERFUL RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE AND TIME AND TALENT OF THE FOLKS HERE.

>> HERE I AM IN THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF BRISTOL, STANDING BESIDE THE HARBOR.

I AM STANDING ON THE EAST BAY BIKE PATH.

THE PATH RUNS 14.5 MILES, FROM BRISTOL TO PROVIDENCE.

THE BRISTOL PORTION OF THE PATH RUNS FOR 3.87 MILES ALONG BRISTOL HARBOR, THROUGH COLD STATE PARK.

THE BRISTOL-WARREN-BARRINGTON PART IS NAMED AFTER MY FATHER, WHO IS KNOWN AS THE FATHER OF THE EAST BAY BIKE PATH.

ALTHOUGH IMMENSELY POPULAR, WITH OVER ONE MILLION VISITORS PER YEAR, IT IS -- IT'S PROPOSAL IN 1980 WAS MET WITH MUCH SKEPTICISM, SUSPICION, DERISION AND OUTRIGHT HOSTILITY.

THE LAND WAS PURCHASED FOR $200,000 BY THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN 1976.

IN 1978, WHILE IN EUROPE, MY PARENTS OBSERVED WITH THE USE OF THE BICYCLE AS A MEANS OF EFFICIENT, LOW IMPACT ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION.

IN EARLY 1980, MY DAD, BY THEN A MEMBER OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE, INTRODUCED A BILL TO CREATE A STUDY COMMISSIONED OR USE OF THE BICYCLE AS AN ALTERNATE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION.

>> OUT OF THAT COMMISSION, WHICH OPERATED FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, CAME SEVERAL PLANS AND A COUPLE LAWS PERTAINING TO BICYCLES THAT APPLY TODAY.

OUT OF THAT ALSO CAME THE RECOGNITION OF THE FACT THAT BICYCLES WERE A VIABLE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION.

>> AS THE DOT DIRECTOR IN 1982 STATED, A BIKE PATH ALONG THE BAY WOULD BRING AN IMPORTANT PART OF RHODE ISLAND'S COASTLINE BACK TO THE PEOPLE.

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES DOCUMENTED THE HEATED OPPOSITION TO THE PATH.

MOSTLY BY ABUTTERS IN BARRINGTON AT BRISTOL.

IT WAS REFERRED TO AS A CRIMINAL PAST HIGHWAY.

>> IT IS LIKE ANYTHING ELSE.

PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GETTING.

THEY ARE LEERY.

>> AS THE GOVERNOR CAME UNDER PRESSURE TO STOP THE PATH, A LETTER OF OPPOSITION HAD BEEN WRITTEN TO PRESIDENT REAGAN'S CHIEF OF STAFF.

OPPOSITION GREW SO HE DID THAT AFTER MY DAD SERVED AS BRISTOL TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, HE FOUNDED AN ADVERSARY -- AN ADVOCACY GROUP IN 1985.

THEY TIRELESSLY SPOKE WITH MANY LOCAL GROUP THAT WOULD LISTEN -- ANY LOCAL GROUP THAT WOULD LISTEN.

IN 1985, THEY HELD AN EVENT, ALONG WITH MANY SUPPORTING GROUPS LIKE THE HIKERS CLUB OF RHODE ISLAND, SAVE THE BAY, THE AUDUBON SOCIETY, THE RHODE ISLAND BIKE COALITION AND OTHERS.

SIGNATURES OF SUPPORT WERE COLLECTED, WITH MANY BRISTOLIANS SIGNING THEIR NAMES.

LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, THE GOVERNOR APPROVED CONSTRUCTION OF THE PATH.

BY 1987, OPPOSITION HAD DIED DOWN AND MOST AGREED THE PATH WAS AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS.

I WALK THE BEAUTIFUL BIKE PATH OF MOST EVERYDAY.

I LIVE IN THE CENTER OF TOWN AND IT IS MY FAVORITE THING TO DO AND RELIEVES ALL MY STRESS.

>> AFTER OVER 30 YEARS, THE BIKE PATH IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER.

>> THIS AFTERNOON, WE ARE STANDING IN FRONT OF MY GRANDFATHERS HOUSE.

IT IS A LANDMARK IN BRISTOL.

>> THE HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1948.

OUR GRANDFATHER CAESAR BRITO HAD CONTRACTORS COME IN AND BUILD THE HOUSE FOR HIM, BUT HE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE HOUSE.

>> OUR GRANDFATHER WAS BETWEEN TWO AND THREE YEARS OLD.

HE ARRIVED ON A SAILING SHIP IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND AT THAT TIME, PROBABLY AROUND 1905, HE TRAVELED TO BRISTOL IN A WAGON DRAWN BY A HORSE.

THAT WAS THE MEAGER BEGINNING OF HIM BEING A BRISTOLIAN.

HE WORKED AT A MILL NOT TOO FAR FROM HERE.

>> LITTLE BY LITTLE, AS OUR DAD GREW, THEY FORMED A BUSINESS THAT WAS REALLY A LANDSCAPING BUSINESS, AND DEVELOPED INTO THEM BUILDING, BUYING THEIR FIRST BULLDOZER.

>> BEHIND THE HOUSE WAS ALL FARMLAND AND THEY BEGAN PUTTIN IN ROADS AND DIGGING FOUNDATIONS FOR HOUSES THAT WERE BEING BUILT.

FROM THAT, THEY PROGRESSED A LITTLE AT A TIME TO PUTTING IN WATER LINES AND SEWER LINES AND IT EVENTUALLY GOT INTO NATURAL GAS, WHICH WAS THE EARLY 1960'S.

FROM THERE, THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF C. BRITO CONSTRUCTION.

AS FOR THE HOUSE, HE STARTED TO SKETCH IT OUT.

IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS DEFINITELY ARCHITECTURALLY DIFFERENT.

>> THERE ARE A COUPLE HOUSES IN BRISTOL THAT HAVE SOME STONEWORK BUT NOT TO THE MAGNITUDE OF THIS.

THE HOME HAS BECOME A LANDMARK, NOT ONLY IN BRISTOL BUT IN RHODE ISLAND.

WHEN THE WEATHER IS CONDUCIVE, WE ARE IN WINTER RIGHT NOW AND THINGS ARE DORMANT BUT THE LAWN IS STRIPED AND WE HAVE A BIG FLAG FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY.

WHEN PEOPLE DRIVE IN, THEY SAY WHEN YOU GET TO CAESAR BRITO'S HOUSE, TURN LEFT.

THE HOUSE WITH A PINK GATE.

>> ONE OTHER THING ABOUT THE PROPERTY THAT IS UNIQUE AND MAKES IT A BRISTOL LANDMARK, OUR GRANDFATHER BUILT A SWIMMING POOL IN THE BACKYARD AND IT WAS PROBABLY AT THE TIME TOUTED AS THE FIRST OR SECOND SWIMMING POOL IN TOWN.

HE REALLY CARED THAT HIS LAWN AND HIS YARD AND HIS FLOWERS WERE ALL SORT OF THE NICEST YOU WOULD SEE.

IT WAS A BIG SOURCE OF PRIDE TO HIM.

ASK TO DAY, AUDREY AND I ARE CAREGIVERS OF THE YARD AND THE HOUSE.

BETWEEN THE TWO OF US, WE FEEL WE HAVE THE PROPERTY PRETTY MUCH THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE.

TODAY, THE PROPERTY IS USED EXTENSIVELY BY THE FAMILY.

AUDREY HAS TWO SONS THAT COME UP WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND STAY HERE DURING THE SUMMER.

THE POOL IS IN FULL USED DURING THE SUMMER.

IT IS A VERY STRONG UNIT THAT WE USE TO PULL THE FAMILY TOGETHER DURING THE SUMMER.

>> I STARTED COMMERCIAL FISHING WHEN I WAS 13, STARTED ON THE BAY BACK IN THE LATE 1970'S.

I DID THAT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I WENT TO URI AND WENT TO THE MARINE FISHERY SCHOOL.

THAT LED ME TO WORKING ON FISHING BOATS, AND TO NEW BEDFORD, WHERE I WORKED ON SCALLOP BOATS.

I SAVED MY MONEY AND GOT A LITTLE 50 FOOT DRAGGER AND A FISHNET, AND I FISHED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS WITH A PARTNER.

MY WIFE GOT PREGNANT AND SHE LET ME KNOW I COULD HAVE A FISHING BOAT OR A FAMILY.

WE WENT WITH THE FAMILY.

THE BOAT WENT.

AT THAT POINT, I STARTED SELLING FISH IN NEW BEDFORD.

I GOT TO KNOW A LOT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE PEOPLE WHO BUY THE FISH, HOW ALL THAT WORKS.

AQUACULTURE WAS IN ITS INFANCY.

I STARTED THINKING ABOUT GROWING OYSTERS.

THERE WERE A FEW OTHER GUYS IN THE STATE DOING IT.

I DECIDED THAT I WOULD TRY TO MAKE A GO OF IT.

I LEAST THREE ACRES FROM THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.

ON THAT LEASE, I HAVE 12 OR 13 TRAWL LINES KEEPING THE OYSTER BAGS AND CAGES CLEAN SO THE WATER CAN FLOW THROUGH THE CAGES AND THE OYSTERS ARE FILTER FEEDERS, SO THEY DEPEND ON THE CURRENT TO BRING ALL OF THEIR FOOD TO THEM.

THEY FILTER IT OUT OF THE WATER.

IF I DON'T KEEP THE BAGS AND CAGES CLEAN, THE WATER WON'T FLOYD -- WON'T FLOW PAST THE OYSTERS AT A GOOD RATE AND THEY WILL STARVE.

WE HARVEST THE OYSTERS AND WE WILL POUR THE BAGS OUT.

WE WILL PICK THROUGH THEM AND KEEP THE KEEPERS AND PUT ANYTHING THAT IS SMALL BACK IN THE WATER TO KEEP GROWING.

USUALLY, 24-36 MONTHS TO GET TO HARVEST SIZE.

OTHERS CAN DO IT QUICKER.

SOME GUYS GROW ON THE SURFACE.

THERE ARE PLUSES AND MINUSES WITH ALL TYPES OF GROWING.

I ALWAYS WANTED A RESTAURANT SINCE I WAS A KID.

IT WAS ONE OF THOSE BUCKET LIST THINGS.

I DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT IT ENTAILED.

I WAS NAIVE GOING INTO IT, BUT I AM HAPPY THAT I WORKED THROUGH IT AND I HAVE SOMETHING THAT I AM PROUD OF.

I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET A SPOT THROUGH A FRIEND THAT OWNS THE BUILDING DOWN HERE, AND I JUMPED AT IT.

TODAY, WE HAVE SOME EQUIPMENT.

WE TRY TO KEEP 10 OR 12 IN STOCK.

WE DEAL PRIMARILY WITH RHODE ISLAND OYSTERS.

THE REASON WE DO THAT IS TWOFOLD.

PRIMARILY, I CAN GET OYSTERS DIRECTLY FROM THE FISHERMAN AND I CAN HAVE THEM IN MY CASE THE SAME DAY THEY COME OUT OF THE WATER.

AS FAR AS BRISTOL GOES, THE PEOPLE ARE GREAT, THE TOWN IS FANTASTIC, I REALLY ENJOY BEING WHERE I AM.

>> I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY IN 1973.

BRISTOL, I STAYED HERE ALL THESE YEARS, STARTED BUILDING BOATS.

1998, I DECIDED TO START MY OWN COMPANY, NORTH COAST BOATS.

>> LET'S TAKE A TOUR OF NORTH COAST BOATS.

WELCOME TO THE PRODUCTION FACILITY, ONE OF THE BEGINNING STEPS TO BUILDING A NORTH COAST BOAT.

THIS IS A FIBERGLASS MOLD WE USE TO LAY FIBERGLASS INSIDE IN ORDER TO PRODUCE ALL OF THE FIBERGLASS PARTS.

WHAT YOU SEE RIGHT HERE IS THE FIRST LAYER ON ONE OF THE NORTH COAST, AND THIS IS THE HULL.

WE HAVE NOW APPLIED MORE LAYERS OF FIBERGLASS, AND THEY ENTIRE STRUCTURE IS STARTING TO FORM.

AT THIS STAGE, WE HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF THE FIBERGLASS ON THE HULL.

WHAT YOU SEE ON THE INSIDE IS THE SKELETON, OR WHAT WE CALL A STRINGER SYSTEM.

THIS GETS FILLED WITH FLOTATION FOAM.

WE NOW HAVE ADDED A FORWARD PAN, WHICH CREATES THE INTERIOR OF THE HULL.

>> HERE IS THE HULL.

IT JUST CAME OUT OF THE MOLD AFTER THE INTERIOR GETS PUT IN.

IT WILL GO INTO THIS ROOM, THEN AFTER, IT GOES TO THE PATCH ROOM, THEN IT GOES TO ASSEMBLY.

THERE IS THE FINISHED HULL.

IT GOT TRIMMED AND PATCHED.

IT IS READY TO GO TO ASSEMBLY.

>> THIS IS THE DECK, MADE THE SAME WAY AS THE HULL.

IS IS THAT THE STAGE WHERE IT HAS COME OUT OF THE MOLD.

IT HAS ALSO BEEN TRIMMED AND PATCHED, AND IT IS GETTING READY TO GO TO ASSEMBLY, WHERE ALL OF THE HARDWARE WILL BE ASSEMBLED ON IT.

>> MY NAME IS CRAIG AND I WILL SHOW YOU HOW WE ASSEMBLY NORTH COAST BOAT.

THIS IS THE ACTUAL HULL AND DECK THAT YOU JUST SAW.

IT IS FULLY PATCHED AND TRIMMED, READY FOR ASSEMBLY.

ALL OF THE HARDWARE IS INSTALLED .

WE HAVE A MECHANIC PUTTING IN AN ENGINE AS WE SPEAK.

>> I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED YOUR TIME AT NORTH COAST BOATS, WATCHING THE PRODUCTION OF A NORTH COAST 2100 HARDTOP.

>> OUR TOWN IS BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND, SETTLED IN 1680.

WE ARE ALSO NICKNAMED THE MOST PATRIOTIC TOWN IN AMERICA.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAKES OUR TOWN EXTRA SPECIAL, I THINK, IS BECAUSE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY WATER ON THREE SIDES.

WE HAVE THE NARRAGANSETT BAY SOME AMOUNT HOPE THEY, AND THE RIVER -- MOUNT COAT BAY, AND THE RIVER.

IT IS A BEAUTIFUL VIEW.

NICE RESTAURANTS, PARKS, IRON NICE PLACE TO BE -- A NICE PLACE TO BE.

THERE ARE 23,000 PEOPLE TO LIVE IN TOWN.

THERE IS ALSO ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY, WHICH HAS 4000 STUDENTS AND A LAW SCHOOL.

THEY BRING YOUTHFUL ENERGY TO THE TOWN, SO IT IS A NICE MIX.

WE ARE ALSO HOME TO THE NEW RHODE ISLAND VETERANS HOME, THE ONLY FACILITY LIKE THIS IN RHODE ISLAND.

MY FATHER WAS A WORLD WAR II VETERAN.

HE WAS LIVING AT THE OLDER FACILITY AND DIDN'T GET TO MAKE IT TO THIS ONE.

HIS NAME WAS CARLTON.

HE GREW UP IN BRISTOL.

MY SON MAKES GENERATION FIVE ON THE FAMILY HOMESTEAD.

THE HOUSE WAS BUILT 17 YEARS BEFORE ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS BORN.

RECENTLY, WE DID A RENOVATION PROJECT.

MY FATHER SAID HE HAD BUILT THE ADDITION WITH THE HELP OF HIS MOM WHEN HE WAS 17, AND HE WAS RIGHT.

WE FOUND THIS IN THE WALL FROM 1941.

HE HAD 19 -- HE HAD NO IDEA THAT A FEW MONTHS LATER, HE WOULD BE ON A SHIP FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE.

I WANT TO DO THIS BECAUSE IT SEEMED LIKE THE VETERANS WERE ALWAYS WELL RECEIVED AT THE PARADE.

THE VIETNAM VETERANS, NOT LIKE THE OTHERS.

I CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF SIX PEOPLE STANDING TOGETHER THAT LOOKED LIKE THE FLAG.

WHEN THE VIA AN AM VETERANS CAME BY, I SAID TO MY FRIENDS, CAN WE STAND NEAR THE ROAD?

I WANT TO JUST CLAP FOR THE VIETNAM VETERANS.

WHEN THEY CAME BY, WE WERE SMILING AND CLAPPING.

THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW, THEY SLOWED DOWN AND ONE OF THEM SALUTED US.

HE HAD TEARS IN HIS EYES.

WE STOOD UP STRAIGHT AND TALL, SALUTED BACK, AND THAT MOMENT, IT CHANGED.

IT WAS A WONDERFUL WELCOME.

FOR YEARS, WE MARCHED WITH THE VIETNAM VETERANS.

WE WERE EVEN INVITED IN 1990, DURING DESERT STORM, TO MARCH IN THE PARADE.

THE PARADE STARTS WITH THE FESTIVITIES, ON FLAG DAY JUNE 14.

THEY GO ON AND THE BIG CULMINATION IS THE PARADE.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT, IT IS WORTH SEEING.

I HOPE YOU DO.

SEE YOU AT THE PARADE.

[BELL RINGING] >> HEAR YE!

ON THIS DAY IN 1785, IN THE TOWN OF BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND, THE REVEREND HENRY RIGHT OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND A VETERAN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR CONDUCTED THE FIRST PATRIOTIC EXERCISES IN HONOR OF OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE.

AS YOU ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES OF THE DAY, LET US NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES MADE BY EACH AMERICAN GENERATION TO SECURE THE PROMISES OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

>> SMILE FOR THE CAMERA.

SAY HAPPY FOURTH.

[HORN HONKING] >> ♪ AND THE ROCKETS RED GLARE THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR GAVE PROOF FOR THE NIGHT ♪ [CANNONS] [MARCHING BAND] [APPLAUSE] >> I AM TALKING TO PETE PARDEE ABOUT SUMMERS IN BRISTOL.

>> FOR YOU LIVED HERE, YOU USED TO SPEND SUMMERS HERE.

>> IF YOU EVER -- WE SPENT ALMOST EVERY SUMMER OF MY LIFE HERE.

THERE IS A PILLAR RUN EITHER SIDE OF THE -- ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ENTRANCE TO THE WATERSIDE.

IT IS ABOUT FOUR FEET OFF THE GROUND, MAYBE 3.5.

DAD CONCEIVED THE IDEA THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO STAND BETWEEN THE TWO COLUMNS TO MY JUMP UP, SPREAD HIS LEGS AND LAND WITH A FOOT ON EACH LEDGE.

I DON'T HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH OF HIM DOING IT, BUT I HAVE A PHOTO OF MY STUPID COUSIN, MY FATHER'S NEPHEW, DOING IT.

I'VE BE -- I RECALL BEING TOLD BY MY MOTHER THAT SHE REMEMBERS MY UNCLE AND MY FATHER USED TO BORROW THE MOTORIZED VEHICLE OF SOME SORT AND CRUISED DOWNTOWN WITH IT.

>> AUNT BESSIE WAS OF BLITHEWOLD FAME.

>> SHE WAS MY GRANDFATHER PASSED SISTER.

CLICK SPEAKING OF -- >> SPEAKING OF BLITHEWOLD, YOU REMEMBER BEING ON THE WATER.

>> I LEARNED TO SWIM THERE.

AUGUSTINE GAVE ME A KAYAK ON MY 16TH BIRTHDAY I THINK.

IN THE 1938 HURRICANE, I BARELY REMEMBER THAT.

WE HAD A PORCH ON THE SECOND STORY.

I REMEMBER BEING ON THAT, I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT THAT WAS BEFORE THE HURRICANE.

IT WAS DESIGNED BY A BROTHER TO SID.

THERE IS A STRONG WRIST ALL CONNECTION -- BRISTOL CONNECTION, BECAUSE ONE OF THE CONSULTANTS ON THE BRIDGE FOR VANDERBILT WAS GEORGE HOWE, A COUSIN OF THE DEWOLFS.

GEORGE WAS THE ONE WHO SAID, IT -- THESE WERE WHAT THE LIGHTS SHOULD BE LIKE.

THESE ARE WHAT THE CABLE LIGHTS SHOULD BE LIKE.

AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.

THE LIGHTS ON THE CABLES ONLY WENT ON ON OK'D AND.

>> IT USED TO BE THAT THEY WOULD GO ON FOR THINGS LIKE CHRISTMAS AND THE FOURTH OF JULY, THANKSGIVING.

>> I SPENT TWO WEEKS WORKING OF THE BRIDGE.

>> WHAT WAS YOUR FAULT PREVENTION -- FALL PREVENTION MECHANISM?

>> ONE HAND ON THE BRIDGE, ONE HAND ON THE PAINTBRUSH.

♪ >> "OUR TOWN: BRISTOL" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY C. BRITO CONSTRUCTION, FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS.

AND THE FOLLOWING BENEFACTOR SPONSORS.

HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM, PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF HERRESHOFF MANUFACTURING THROUGH EXHIBITS, PROGRAMMING AND STEAM EDUCATING PROGRAMS.

NORTH COAST BOATS, BOAT BUILDERS OF FISHING AND RECREATIONAL BOATS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS.

FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED.

BRISTOL OYSTER BAR, SERVING LOCALLY HARVESTED OYSTERS, FARM