The Legacy of the Transcontinental Railroad
America’s first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. The ramifications would be seen and felt in American industry, art and migration. In this panel, Dr. Betsy Fahlman, Professor of Art History at Arizona State University and Adjunct Curator of American Art at the Phoenix Art Museum, will introduce the technological arc that spanned from coast to coast, and will discuss works of art and objects collected by American railroad museums and the Center for Railroad Photography & Art. Dr. Manu Karuka, Assistant Professor of American Studies at Barnard College, will present themes from his book, “Empire’s Tracks,” and examine the construction of the first transcontinental railroad in an international context, focusing on sovereignty and imperialism.
What you need to know
The Legacy of the Transcontinental Railroad at Rosecliff has closed.America’s first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. The ramifications would be seen and felt in American industry, art and migration. In this panel, Dr. Betsy Fahlman, Professor of Art History at Arizona State University and Adjunct Curator of American Art at the Phoenix Art Museum, will introduce the technological arc that spanned from coast to coast, and will discuss works of art and objects collected by American railroad museums and the Center for Railroad Photography & Art. Dr. Manu Karuka, Assistant Professor of American Studies at Barnard College, will present themes from his book, “Empire’s Tracks,” and examine the construction of the first transcontinental railroad in an international context, focusing on sovereignty and imperialism.
More Tours, Events & Exhibitions
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
April 18, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
SOLD OUT
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
April 25, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
SOLD OUT
The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair”
June 20 – 22, 2025
Themed “A Floral Fair,” the 29th annual Show will combine the elegance of a Gilded Age fête with the good cheer of a summer county fair.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 19 – 21, 2025
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers for another successful Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. See you next year for the 20th annual festival, September 19-21, 2025, at Rosecliff. Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public.
Beneath The Breakers Tour
Daily
10:00am
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour
Daily
2:00pm
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours.
Servant Life Tour
Daily
10 am and 2 pm
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.
Lifting the Curtain: Behind the Scenes of Museum Work
January 23 – April 10, 2025
11:00am – 12:30pm
This series of programs, listed below, offers glimpses into the work that happens behind the scenes at the Newport Mansions, including curatorial, conservation, preservation, historical research and interpretation.
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
March 20, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
SOLD OUT
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
March 21, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
SOLD OUT
Conservation Studio Tour
March 27, 2025
11:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at our conservation studio and the important work that happens there.
SOLD OUT
Newport through a New Lens: Treasures of Photography at the Preservation Society
March 27, 2025
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Curator of Collections Dr. Nicole Williams will offer a close look at rarely seen treasures of Gilded Age photography from the Preservation Society’s archives. Live at Rosecliff and via Zoom.
Waltz into the Past
March 28, 2025
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Learn to waltz from professional instructors in the perfect Gilded Age setting of Rosecliff's ballroom.
The Newport Piccolo Simposio: Italian Influence in Newport
April 3, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Founded in 1993, the Newport Symposium has been an annual convening of fine and decorative arts experts and enthusiasts from across the country and the world. Attendees listen to stimulating lectures, experience behind-the-scenes study opportunities and gather to network and discuss the future of our history.
Behind the Boiserie: An Intimate Exploration of the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers
April 9, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Follow the history and conservation research on the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers, a highly significant but often overlooked space.
This program will be offered on March 6 & April 9.
Iconic Wardrobe of “The Great Gatsby”
April 10, 2025
11:00am – 12:15pm
Get an exclusive close-up look at two of the costumes worn in the 1974 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," guided by our textile conservator and one of our research fellows.
SOLD OUT
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
April 18, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
SOLD OUT
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
April 25, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
SOLD OUT
The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair”
June 20 – 22, 2025
Themed “A Floral Fair,” the 29th annual Show will combine the elegance of a Gilded Age fête with the good cheer of a summer county fair.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 19 – 21, 2025
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers for another successful Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. See you next year for the 20th annual festival, September 19-21, 2025, at Rosecliff. Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public.
Beneath The Breakers Tour
Daily
10:00am
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour
Daily
2:00pm
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours.
Servant Life Tour
Daily
10 am and 2 pm
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.
Lifting the Curtain: Behind the Scenes of Museum Work
January 23 – April 10, 2025
11:00am – 12:30pm
This series of programs, listed below, offers glimpses into the work that happens behind the scenes at the Newport Mansions, including curatorial, conservation, preservation, historical research and interpretation.
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
March 20, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
SOLD OUT
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
March 21, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
SOLD OUT
Conservation Studio Tour
March 27, 2025
11:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at our conservation studio and the important work that happens there.
SOLD OUT
Newport through a New Lens: Treasures of Photography at the Preservation Society
March 27, 2025
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Curator of Collections Dr. Nicole Williams will offer a close look at rarely seen treasures of Gilded Age photography from the Preservation Society’s archives. Live at Rosecliff and via Zoom.
Waltz into the Past
March 28, 2025
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Learn to waltz from professional instructors in the perfect Gilded Age setting of Rosecliff's ballroom.
The Newport Piccolo Simposio: Italian Influence in Newport
April 3, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Founded in 1993, the Newport Symposium has been an annual convening of fine and decorative arts experts and enthusiasts from across the country and the world. Attendees listen to stimulating lectures, experience behind-the-scenes study opportunities and gather to network and discuss the future of our history.
Behind the Boiserie: An Intimate Exploration of the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers
April 9, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Follow the history and conservation research on the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers, a highly significant but often overlooked space.
This program will be offered on March 6 & April 9.
Iconic Wardrobe of “The Great Gatsby”
April 10, 2025
11:00am – 12:15pm
Get an exclusive close-up look at two of the costumes worn in the 1974 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," guided by our textile conservator and one of our research fellows.
SOLD OUT
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
April 18, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
SOLD OUT
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
April 25, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
SOLD OUT
The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair”
June 20 – 22, 2025
Themed “A Floral Fair,” the 29th annual Show will combine the elegance of a Gilded Age fête with the good cheer of a summer county fair.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 19 – 21, 2025
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers for another successful Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. See you next year for the 20th annual festival, September 19-21, 2025, at Rosecliff. Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public.
