The Cranston Historical Society is inviting the public to ring in the holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 1 by visiting its two properties: The Joy Homestead at 156 Scituate Ave. and the stately Sprague Mansion at 1351 Cranston St.

Both houses will be decked in appropriate historical style and will be open free of charge.  The Joy Homestead was once a farm and features a gambrel roof house built in the late 1700s.  It will have a Christmas tree and simple decorations befitting the life of a rural family at that time.

The atmosphere will be more opulent at the Sprague Mansion which was the birthplace of Governor William Sprague III and his nephew, Governor William Sprague IV.  The stately white house with dark shutters was built around 1790, and then substantially expanded in 1864. It features fine finish work including a grand hallway with a curved staircase and a ballroom.

It has been decorated for the season by the Western Cranston Garden Club and will also feature a 9-foot Christmas tree.

“This is the 58^th year that the Cranston Historical Society has invited the public to our holiday celebration at the Governor Sprague Mansion and the Joy Homestead,” said Sandra Moyer, president of the Cranston Historical Society.   She said there is no charge for the open houses because the society “considers it our gift to the community.”

“It is a great way to start the holiday season,” she said, “and hopefully you will want to come back for some of our other events during the year.”

On Sunday, the Joy Homestead will be open from 11 am to 1 pm.  The mansion will be open from 3 to 5 pm, and there will be music and refreshments.  Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins, Secretary of State Gregg Amore and other state and local dignitaries will be in attendance.

At 4:30 pm, there will be an outdoor tree lighting on the mansion grounds sponsored by Ward 3 Councilman John Donegan.  It will feature performances by members of the band and choir at Hugh B. Bain Middle School, and hot chocolate will follow.

Moyer noted that the Sprague Mansion, which features ornate architectural details and period furnishings, is available for rental year round, and is a stately setting for holidays or special occasions.

“Some families have made it their tradition to rent the fully decorated Sprague Mansion for their own holiday celebrations, particularly when they want a site for a large gathering,” she said. “If you would like to rent the mansion, call Mary, our resident manager, at (401) 944-9226.”