Operating Schedule
See which of the mansions are open and when. Search by date or month, or view the full year’s schedule.
Visitor Info
View our FAQs, map & parking, guidelines and more.
Tours, Groups, Exclusive Experiences
Explore our various tour types to find what’s best for you and your group.
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.
“Inside the Newport Mansions” Gilded Age Conversations
Noted historians and authors share their insights into all aspects of Gilded Age America in this monthly series of interviews with the Preservation Society.
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.
On this page
1. Registration Form must be received no later than Friday, April 21, 2023, and will be accepted in the order received.
2. Exhibitors are permitted one entry per class. Exhibitors may enter more than one class if openings exist after April 23, 2023.
3. If forced to withdraw, the exhibitor must notify Division Chair Sarah Boynton and find a substitute.
4. Permitted: Dried flowers, foliage, seeds, pods, peas, beans, corn, corn husk, nuts (in or out of shells), grapevine twigs, basket reeds, etc.
5. Not permitted: artificial, endangered, and locally invasive plant material. Link for list of Rhode Island invasive plants: https://riwps.org/invasives-plants/
6. Allowed: Very light coatings of epoxy, nail polish, varnish, etc. Glitter may be used as long as it is suspended in nail polish.
7. Plant material may be carved, cut, incised or shaped to enhance artistic effect but must be assembled with other plant material.
8. Non-plant material (i.e., cardboard, metal, twine, string, cording, etc.) may be used for construction but must not be visible.
9. All exhibits must appear functional (resemble wearable jewelry, shoes, etc.) unless noted otherwise.
10. A 5 x 8 typed key card is required for all exhibits and should include untreated samples of each plant material used in the design, correctly identified with common names. The card will be supplied by the Committee.
11. Installation of the mail-in exhibits will be the responsibility of the Committee. Detailed photos of each entry must be sent with the entry. The exhibitor should indicate how they would like the exhibit positioned. If the exhibit arrives damaged, the exhibitor will be notified and have the option to have the entry returned for repair if time permits or the exhibitor can give permission for the Committee to make the repair. It is STRONGLY suggested that a repair kit be included with the entry and that any shipping method include a tracking feature.
12. While the Botanical Arts Division Committee and The Preservation Society of Newport County will afford the best possible protection to all exhibits, they distinctly disclaim all liability for loss or damage to the exhibits and personal property belonging to exhibitors.
13. An exhibit previously entered in any competition must be significantly altered before being submitted to The Newport Flower Show Botanical Arts Division.
14. A typed Statement of Intent is optional and may not exceed 25 words. Statement of Intent for all entries must be emailed to Division Chair Sarah Boynton no later than May 6, 2023.
15. If forms or staging must be shipped to the exhibitor, the exhibitor must pay shipping charges.
16. Novice and New Exhibitors will be eligible for specific awards. Exhibits must be the work of one exhibitor to be eligible for these awards.
17. Exhibitors may deliver their entry in person to the Tea House at Marble House, 596 Bellevue Ave., Newport, R.I. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Passing by the Committee will conclude promptly at 2 p.m. Judging will begin at 3 p.m.
18. If retrieving your entry in person, you may pick it up from the Tea House on Sunday, June 25, 2023, between 5-5:30 p.m.
19. Scale of points:
Resource for Botanical Arts Techniques: https://sarahboynton.net/videos
Please refer any questions to the Division Chair: Sarah Boynton sjbgarden@aol.com (781) 771-6947
A creative design which emphasizes strong angles that may be acute obtuse, reflex, right angles, or a combination of angles.
Plant material and other components organized according to the Principles and Elements of Design to create a unified whole.
Floral design not following traditional styles, using imagination and creativity to devise new approaches to the selection and organization of plant material and other components according to principles and elements of design.
A man-made object enhanced with dried plant material. Plant materials may be treated.
A design of any natural form (e.g., animal, bird’s nest, flower) created from all dried plant materials. No mechanics may be visible.
A design created entirely of dried plant material and made to resemble wearable jewelry in both size and function. No mechanics or structural base may be visible.
A numbered list of botanical and common names accompanying an exhibit. Corresponding numbers are placed with each individual sample of untreated plant material. Card to be supplied in Botanical Arts Exhibitor’s package.
The use of grouped materials overlapped to create a textured design.
Groupings of limited varieties of plant material with emphasis on bold design, blocks of color, contrasting forms, and textures.
Profusion of various forms and sizes of flowers arranged in an oval, triangular or fan-shaped design, a closed silhouette with more solids than voids.
A diminutive design which does not exceed five inches in any direction. Scale and proportion are of the utmost importance.
A person or group who is entering The Newport Flower Show for the first time in their respective division. Exhibitor(s) must self-identify for this award.
An exhibitor/s who has never won a blue ribbon in their respective division at The Newport Flower Show. Exhibitor(s) must self-identify for this award. To be eligible for Novice Awards, the exhibitor must exhibit alone.
A small arrangement which does not exceed eight inches in any direction. Scale and proportion are of the utmost importance.
A brief written paragraph (no more than 25 words) offering an explanation of the exhibitor’s creation. Blank cards to be supplied in Exhibitor’s package.
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
