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
Questions? Division Chair: Sarah Boynton (781) 771-6947 sjbgarden68@gmail.com
THIS CLASS IS FILLED
“My Little Dog, a heartbeat at my feet.” – Edith Wharton
CANINE COUTURE completely created with dried plant materials. A French Bulldog resin statue will be supplied to the Exhibitor upon registration. (Designer’s Choice: Vest, Collar, Jacket, etc.)
• The decorated dog will be displayed atop a pedestal. • Viewed and judged from all sides. • Statement of Intent is optional. • Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. • Pedestal Size: 18” square by 42” high.
From the beginning of civilization, whether it was a torch or a light at the front of a home, it signaled “We’re home” and “You are welcome here.”
A LANTERN created with dried plant materials. Lanterns must include a light (provided by the committee). Lanterns will be hung on a metal shepherd’s crook in a gazebo garden. If mailing, please include a photograph/drawing indicating the preferred presentation side.
• Viewed and judged from all sides. • Statement of Intent is optional. • Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. • Gazebo: Illustration and details attached to Rules.
NOVICE CLASS (open to anyone who has not won a Blue Ribbon in this division of The Newport Flower Show)
Pride of Rhode Island, Jay Strongwater is an iconic designer whose bejeweled metal works are coveted by collectors around the world for his unique style. “I’m fascinated by the idea of taking our everyday belongings – picture frames, boxes, mirrors – and turning them into a beautiful combination of metal, enamel and crystals.” – Jay Strongwater
A FRAME, embellished with dried plant materials in the style of Jay Strongwater. This class is open to Novices only.
• The frame to be embellished is provided by the Exhibitor. • Statement of Intent is optional. • The frame will be staged on a console painted Rosecliff White. • Two exhibitors per console (space divided evenly). • Mats permitted. • Viewed and judged from the front. • Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. • Console Size: 35” wide x 14” deep x 49 3/4” high
Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
A LOCKET design using dried and/or pressed plant materials.
• Upon registration, Exhibitors will receive a neck form upon which the locket will be staged within a niche lighted from above and painted Rosecliff White. • Statement of Intent is optional. • Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. • Niche Box Size: 17” wide x 17” deep x 25” high (niche has a 12” round opening).
“I loved make-believe. I was the child in the cupboard playing with my Barbies.” – Lupita Nyong’o, Mexican-Kenyan actress
The benefits of make-believe play are well documented. A child who plays this way enters a magical place where imagination and creativity practice lifelong skills in creative thinking, experimentation and so much more.
The “Barbie” doll remained an icon by evolving and championing diversity and inclusion, which is just an expanded version of their original goal for a child to make the doll their own through style choices and imagination.
An OUTFIT created from all dried and/or pressed plant materials.
• A “Barbie” doll will be provided to each Exhibitor upon registration. • Exhibitors may choose from a selection of diverse dolls which will be mailed with the Registration Packet. • Choice of dolls is first come, first served. • The design will be staged on a stepped stair within a niche using a stand that comes with the doll. Niche lighted from above and painted Rosecliff White. • Viewed and judged from the front, however, there is a mirrored back panel which provides judges with a vantage to appreciate details on the back of the design. • Statement of Intent is optional. • Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. • Niche Box Size: 12” wide x 12 1/8” deep x 25” high (opening is 17 7/8” high). Mirror is 11 7/8” wide and 25” high. Stairs are 11 15/16” wide and 12 1/8” deep.
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