Research Reports

The Preservation Society of Newport County sponsors research and documentation projects to support its mission to preserve and interpret its historic properties.

The following research reports address subjects such as servant life, historic landscape, social history and historic dress. Each research report contains a table of contents listing time lines, historic objects, oral histories, and other archival sources related to each subject.

The reports were prepared by Preservation Society staff or by Graduate Research Fellows working under the direction of the Architectural Historian/Director of Academic Programs.

The information contained in these reports is the property of The Preservation Society of Newport County, and is protected by copyright laws.  It is provided for your personal, non-commercial and educational use only.  This material may not be copied, published, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or modified without the express written permission of The Preservation Society of Newport County.



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Available Reports
A History of The Preservation Society of Newport County

Researcher Holly Collins presents here a history of the first 20 years of The Preservation Society of Newport County, from 1945-1965.

A Study of Chateau sur Mer Report I: The Wetmore Family and Their Domestics

A detailed account of a Victorian household and its domestic staff as seen in Wetmore family letters.


A Study of Chateau sur Mer Report II: Rites of Passage: The Wetmores of Chateau sur Mer

This report outlines the Wetmore family's prominent role in Victorian life - from their position as international merchants to their key roles in American politics, the arts and historic preservation.


Green Animals Living Art: A Singular Expression of Portuguese-American Cultural Traditions and Values

Examines the historical evolution of the gardens at Green Animals, biographical essays on the key historical figures of the Braytons, who owned the estate, and the Carreiro and Mendoncas, who were the two generations of Portugese-American gardeners at Green Animals. The report also contains detailed information on the topiary forms in the garden.  


Kingscote's Coming of Age: A Sentimental Journey

This research report is based on the study and editing of letters and journals of members of the King family.


Servant Life at The Breakers: A Room with a View

An analysis of the architectural plans and communications systems of the servants’ quarters of The Breakers. Also included is a study of servant life at The Breakers within the larger context of the history of domestic service in the 1890s and early 1900s.


NEWPORT MANSIONS is a registered trademark of The Preservation Society of Newport County. Our tickets should not be presented at any other mansion in Newport except The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Green Animals Topiary Garden, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House, and Rosecliff.