A new Little Compton Historical Society book that details the interesting histories and ownership of six private homes, two “lost” houses, and the society's own Wilbor House and Quaker Meeting House, will be unveiled at a special exhibit preview party this Friday, July 1.

Society staff and volunteers spent the winter digging into the buildings' past in the process of writing "The Stories Houses Tell: A Second Collection of House Histories." Their research uncovered new information including the Brownell family connection to Louisville, Kentucky, the involvement of prominent Quaker and African-American merchant Paul Cuffe in repairs to the Quaker Meeting House, and that Sea Bourne Mary has no documented connection to the legend of Mary Wilson Wallace. The special exhibition features items from each location, including a spyglass from the Kempton House, a piece of painted glass from Wunnegin, and archaeological finds from the Manton and Church-Collins-Nicholson cellar holes.

To celebrate book and exhibit, an exhibit preview party will be held at the Wilbor House on Friday, July 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. As the name of Friday's event suggests, guests get the first chance to view the special exhibition and advance access to purchase the book. The $40 ticket includes passed hors d’oeuvres by Compton Catering and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. To attend, contact the Little Compton Historical Society at 635-4035 or visit littlecompton.org.

The day after the party, the society will hold its annual family day, from noon to 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public.