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
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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 sjbgarden@aol.com
4 Entries
The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a small step. – Chinese Proverb
A SHOE, completely embellished with dried plant materials. The shoe will be supplied to the exhibitor upon registration. The decorated shoe will be displayed atop a pedestal. Viewed and judged from all sides. Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet.
This class is now closed
Most Grand Tours included Italy for the architecture, the art, the food … the everything! Truman Capote captured this as he described “Venice, it’s like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.”
A TRINKET BOX embellished (at least 50%) with dried plant materials in the style of Italian Micro Mosaics. Maximum size of box: 4 inches in width/depth/height. Box may be presented with lid open/closed/on/off. The box will be staged on a black riser atop a pedestal. The box will be supplied to the exhibitor upon registration. If mailing, please include a photograph of the preferred presentation on the riser. Viewed and judged from all sides. Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet.
Consuelo Vanderbilt was known for her swan-like neck which was often wrapped in pearls. Coco Chanel said, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” Grace Kelly said, “The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” But Jackie Kennedy said it best: “Pearls are always appropriate.”
A NECKLACE, incorporating pearls constructed entirely of dried plant materials. The necklace will be staged within a niche on a torso form to be made available to the exhibitor upon registration. Niche lighted from above and painted Rosecliff White. Viewed from the front. Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. Exhibitor may borrow the torso form to create their necklace. The form must be returned at the end of the show. Arrangements to pick up the form can be made through the Division Chair. Shipping is available at Exhibitor’s expense.
Niche Size: 35 inches high x 31 1/16 inches wide x 23 inches deep. Interior may be enhanced.
In the mid-19th century, the great glasshouses like Baccarat, Saint-Louis, Clichy and Pantin revived ancient techniques such as flameworking, filigree and millefiori, “thousand flowers.” They were creating the first pieces marketed as paperweights. They were useful, fashionable, relatively inexpensive and cheery. They were also a way to keep flowers on desks even in winter, and their popularity spread through parts of Europe.
NOVICE CLASS (Open to anyone who has not won a Blue Ribbon in this division of The Newport Flower Show)
A PAPERWEIGHT design using dried and/or pressed plant materials. This class is open to Novices Only. Upon registration, exhibitors will receive a domed glass paperweight kit including backing materials. Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. Domed paperweight size: 3 1/8 inches wide x 1 3/8 inches high. Additional finishing kits available: https://www.photoweights.com/finishing_kits.html (DOME/Black Selection)
A big part of going on the Grand Tour was sharing one’s discoveries with those back at home. As Mark Twain put it, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”
A LETTER OPENER created from all dried and/or pressed plant materials. Length of design not to exceed 12 inches. The design will be staged within a niche using a stand to be made available to the exhibitor upon registration. Niche lighted from above and painted Rosecliff White. Viewed and judged from the front. Photo and details of staging will be included in the Exhibitor packet. Niche box size: 18 inches high x 12 inches wide x 12 inches deep.
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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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