Activities are underway at the Samuel Smith House, a historic farmhouse on Plants Dam Road in East Lyme. The winter has been filled with plans, including landscapes. With the good weather, folks are busy clearing brush and mowing lawns.

Areas are being prepared for the installation of community gardens by the Rotary Club, with Art Carlson and Bob Ramsay of the Friends of the Samuel Smith House. Some of the produce will donated and there will also be space allocated for members of the public.

The Samuel Smith House and grounds will be open and filled with colonial activities on Saturday, June 13, as part of the statewide Connecticut Open House Day. All three historic homes East Lyme will be open. Plans are underway to provide transportation between houses.

At the Samuel Smith House, there will be bee keeping and honey demonstrations by Dick Waterman. Missy Miko will bring her horse and milking goats and will show how goat soap is made. Musical groups will play colonial music.

Recently, the East Lyme Historic Properties Commission received a grant from the State Historic Preservation Commission. The grant will enable archaeological excavation to study the many years of “living” that took place at the site. Archaeologists will protect any relic that might be found.

On July 18, East Lyme will “Celebrate East Lyme” with festivities up and down Main Street. On July 19, the Samuel Smith House and Farmstead will be open for visits along with agricultural businesses in town.

All the efforts this past year have been the result of several dedicated board members, as well as a hand, a shovel, or a loan of equipment from several community helpers.

Monthly board meetings, open to all, are on the second Monday of each month. With the good weather, these meetings are also held in the barn at 4:30 p.m. More information is available at samuelsmithhouse.org.