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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.
“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.
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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.
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Questions? Division I Class Consultant: Jim Donahue (401) 847-1000, ext. 154 jdonahue@newportmansions.org
Delivery & Passing: Wednesday, June 21, 1 pm-4 pm and Thursday, June 22, 8 am-10 am
The scale of Points for Division I: Creative Mixed Planters unless otherwise specified:
Up to 12 entries, pre-registration required, photo key card required. A container will be provided to entrants upon registration. Plant a blue-and-white Chinese porcelain fishbowl, to be displayed on the steps of the Chinese Tea House (full sun exposure). A liner will be supplied to exhibitors for plantings. No accessories.
This Class will be divided into two sections: One with Blue Flowers, and one with White Flowers.
This class is closed.
8 July, 1913 Bessie my dear gardening friend, Just arrived in London by liner last night. Exhausted but well! We spent this afternoon at Kew, getting a tour from our old friend Mr. Wilson. The views of London from the top of the Pagoda are beyond compare. I hear Mrs. Belmont is building a Chinese Tea House on Bellevue Ave? Goodness. Heading to Munstead Wood tomorrow… Best, Rose
The container is exhibitor’s choice. Must contain a minimum of 5 different plant varieties. Plants must be compatible and identified as Sun or Shade Containers. The container may be any shape but should not exceed 12” wide x 24” long. No height restrictions on the completed planter.
Limited to 4 Entries. Pre-Registration Required.
24 July, 1913 Dear Bessie, Our tour of Miss Jeckyll’s garden at Munstead Wood was heavenly. She is a painter of pictures in plants. I’ve a thousand new ideas for my perennial border back on Portsmouth farm! Love to my Corgis!!! Yours, Rose
Accessory permitted. No restrictions on plant type. Liner (approximately 15”) provided to exhibitor which will be dropped into the urn. Plants must be compatible. No height restrictions on the completed planter. Accessories are allowed with discretion. Details on urn supplied with registration.
30 July, 1913 Bessie – The Channel crossing was very choppy! Straight to Paris for gown fittings with Mr. Worth. I had forgotten the vastness of Versailles – makes Newport gardens look like postage stamps. Oceans of trimmed greenery and ornaments everywhere. Bunions back … The Alps next! – Rose
The container is exhibitor’s choice. The container may be any shape but should comply with the weight limit outlined within Rules & Guidelines. No height restrictions. Plant material must be “Alpine.”
Sources for Alpine plant suggestions: Horticulture Magazine (UK), Fine Gardening – Alpine Troughs, and Alpine Garden Society
1 Aug, 1913 Bessie, It’s been lovely to sit in the rail car and watch the scenery go by. The light in the Alps is so clear – the window boxes on every chalet sparkle with color. Our hotel is dripping in geraniums! I’ve arranged for a shipment of cheeses – so keep an eye out … Rose
Veggies/ Fruits/Herbs. Accessories permitted. Minimum of 3 compatible plant varieties. No size restrictions. Must comply with weight limit outlined within Rules & Guidelines.
6 Aug, 1913 Bessie, From the vastness of the Alps to the winding canals and alleys of Venice! Every sunny balcony is jammed with citrus and vegetables – many I’ve never seen. Perfume is one’s best friend! Heading south tomorrow before the rains arrive. Missing home – Rose
Minimum of 3 plant varieties. Accessories not permitted. The container is exhibitor’s choice.
11 Aug, 1913 Bessie, Sorry not to have written – Rome & Naples too full of visits! Vatican breath- taking. We sailed from the toe of the boot to Palermo. I’ve never felt such heat! It’s a wonder anything grows here – just fleshy cactusy things strangely beautiful. Straight back to London & then home for the Newport season! Rose
Photo Key Cards are required for all entries in this division.
A Photo Key Card is a photo of your exhibit attached (or printed) on white card stock no larger than 5″x8″. A numbered list of botanical and common names refers to the corresponding numbered plant in the photo. Please complete your Photo Key Card prior to arriving at the show. The Photo Key Cards are laminated to cardstock at the show to weather-proof them. Please do not use photo paper which blurs in the laminating process.
Jim Donahue (401) 847-1000, ext. 154 jdonahue@NewportMansions.org
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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.
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Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.
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