Operating Schedule
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Visitor Info
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Tours, Groups, Exclusive Experiences
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History of Newport and the Mansions
Founded in 1639, Newport was an important port city, a center of the slave trade, a fashionable resort and the summer home of the Gilded Age rich.
What was the Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age was a period of unprecedented change in America. Fortunes were spent on luxuries such as the lavish "summer cottages" of Newport.
Deep Dive into the Show
Learn about the people, places and events depicted in Julian Fellowes' popular historical drama series.
Current Members
Current members can see a full list of benefits and any information regarding Members Events.
Become a Member
We invite you to become a member of the Preservation Society today. In addition to joining an active community of preservation supporters and advocates, members are offered unlimited access to all open houses.
About Us
Our mission is to protect, preserve, and present the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. Learn more about us and our work.
Wind Farm Federal Appeal: FAQs
The Preservation Society of Newport County is appealing federal agency approval of two massive wind farms off the Rhode Island coast.
Personal Photography on the Grounds
Rent our museums for commercial photography & videography, TV production, and wedding photography.
Commercial Filming or Photography
Museum Rentals & Weddings
Host your wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate event, or other celebration at our historic museums.
Produced in partnership with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society
The story of Newport, Rhode Island in the Gilded Age (1865-1915) is anchored by the economic, social and civic achievements of many of America’s wealthiest individuals and families, notably the Vanderbilts, Astors, Belmonts, Oelrichses and Berwinds. These names represent the critical economic and cultural growth period of late 19th- and early 20th-century America.
Newport also was home to many important African heritage business entrepreneurs who would leverage their commercial enterprises to promote economic security and build wealth to invest in and advance civic, recreational, social and political interests. Newport’s earliest African heritage doctors, dentists, teachers, hospitality entrepreneurs and elected officials appeared during the Gilded Age.
This exhibition explores a largely unknown but important chapter in American history in which African heritage families could come together and promote their economic and social well-being through self-reliance, entrepreneurism, political advancement and cultural interchange.
More than 150 objects from the collections of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, The Preservation Society of Newport County and other institutions will be featured, ranging from photographs, handbills, business cards and news clippings to furniture, clothing, jewelry and ceramics. All represent the experiences of African heritage Newporters who were active members of a new type of urban setting – the resort community. Men, women and families would travel to Newport from Providence, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington to take part in a rare opportunity for persons of color at the time to engage in uninhibited social and cultural interchange.
This exhibition is proudly titled: “Gilded Age Newport in Color.”
George N. Barclay children of Newport, circa 1913
Louisa Van Horne was the first teacher of color in Newport public schools. She taught at the former Edward Farewell Street School.
Newport was a place to participate in the era’s fastest-growing sports and recreational activities, and this included many African heritage sporting clubs.
Equal Rights Ticket for the 1888 elections in Rhode Island
The George T. Downing Block, circa 1905
Officers of the Women's League of Newport, circa 1900
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
Get your garden going or find nice springtime and Mother's Day gifts for friends and family! A variety of flowers, vegetables and specialty plants are available while supplies last.
See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. *June 1-Aug. 31, 10:30 am, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Sept. 1-Oct. 14, 10:30 & 3:30. Oct. 15-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society scholars will interpret the evolution of Black Civil Rights movements in Newport from the beginnings of the 18th-century Free African Societies to the formation of Colored Women Clubs during the Gilded Age.
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, May 17 through June 28. Tickets now available.
Black Newporters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had idiosyncratic, localized approaches to politics that differed from the conventional narrative of the time. Dr. Myra Armstead of Bard College will explain how these African Americans gave their own meaning to what collectively may be called independent politics.
Newport County residents and employees of the hospitality industry are invited to visit the Newport Mansions as our guests!
The 28th annual edition of New England’s premier flower show explores the theme "At Home," celebrating the beauty and inspiration that flowers and plants bring to the spaces in which we live. Tickets now available.
Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences.
Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.
Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.
Partners in Preservation