Operating Schedule
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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
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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
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Commercial Filming or Photography
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Questions? Division Chair: Sarah Boynton (781) 771-6947 sjbgarden@aol.com
By Invitation Only
THIS CLASS IS FILLED
Ballroom, 4 Entries
The Dressing Table has origins reaching back to the 15th century B.C. In Egypt, it consisted of a box of face paints, oils and perfumes. Fast forward, the box grew legs and a mirror. The Dressing Table was at its zenith when Madame de Pompadour made the morning toilette entertainment at Versailles. Marie Antoinette added the iconic fauteuil de toilette (chair) and a legend was born. Could this have been the genesis of the well-staged selfie?
Staging: On a console painted Rosecliff White measuring 36” H x 32” W x 17 1/4” D with attached backboard 45” H x 32” W. Viewed from three sides. Staff will be onsite to hang mirrors on the backboard if needed. A photo of the staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
Class Consultant: Pat Fernandez, mplwfernandez@aol.com (610) 291-3886
The heart of most homes is the kitchen: Laughter, creativity, sharing and dancing! But it all begins with fresh and wholesome ingredients seasoned with love and herbs. Create a Pot-et-Fleur which must include some rooted herbs.
Staging: On a pedestal painted Rosecliff White measuring 42” H x 24” square. Viewed from three sides. A photo of the staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
Nothing feels more like summer than the bounty of the garden. An explosion of color, texture and fragrance all combine to evoke that languid river of memories.
Staging: On a pedestal painted Rosecliff White measuring 36” H x 18” square. Viewed from all sides. A photo of staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
*Design must conform to either a Traditional or Modern Mass description as per the definitions in the Glossary.
Class Consultant: Vicki Iannuccillo, viannuccil@aol.com (401) 465-1160
There is nothing so satisfying as finding a new purpose for something dismissed as no longer useful, stylish or wanted. This is where sustainability begins! A design that incorporates a repurposed item.
Staging: On a pedestal painted Rosecliff White measuring 42” H x 16” square. Viewed from three sides. A photo of the staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
Cin-Cin! Salute! Cheers! They all mean one thing: The drinks are ready – and there is nowhere better to have them than “At Home.” A functional table set for cocktails.
Staging: On a bistro table measuring 30” round and 30” high. Viewed from all sides. The table will be covered with a white cloth to the floor and may be covered with Exhibitor’s own cloth. A photo of the staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
Collections are personal. They reflect the passions of the collector and add a very individualized point of view to any setting. A Miniature Design incorporating a collectible.
Staging: On a console painted Rosecliff White. Viewed from the front. A photo of the staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
*A Miniature Design is defined as not exceeding 5 inches in any direction. The design will be placed on an 8” H x 8” W x 8” D open niche painted Rosecliff White. Underlays and backgrounds are allowed as long as they do not damage the niche.
Class Consultant: Vera Bowen, verabowen9092@gmail.com (401) 225-9680
Novice Designers Only
Staging: On a console painted Rosecliff White. Viewed from the front. Photo of staging will be included in Exhibitor Packet.
This class is only open to Novices, defined as designers who have never won a Blue Ribbon in The Newport Flower Show in the Floral Design Division.
Legacy is defined as “something transmitted or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.” Whether it is the favorite flower of a loved one or colors reminiscent of sunsets at the beach house, memories are legacies that are most beautifully expressed in flower form. A design of Exhibitor’s choice that is evocative of a personal legacy. A Statement of Intent sharing that legacy is required.
Staging: On a pedestal painted Rosecliff White measuring 42” H x 18-1/2” round (fluted). Viewed from three sides. A photo of the staging will be included in the Exhibitor Packet.
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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.
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