The David W. Dangremond Lecture
Newport Cottages 1835-1890: The Summer Villas Before the Vanderbilt Era
Author Michael C. Kathrens reveals the luxury and splendor of Newport’s 19th-century summer “cottages,” the subject of his most recent book. In the mid- to late 19th century, scores of magnificent homes were commissioned by America’s wealthiest and most prominent families. They built their summer residences in neighborhoods known today as Kay-Catherine-Old Beach Road, Bellevue Avenue, Ochre Point and Ocean Drive, commissioning local talents as well as nationally renowned architects. Kathrens will discuss the ownership histories, original structures and later renovations of these houses, including Chateau-sur-Mer and the original Breakers.
Kathrens’ new book Newport Cottages 1835-1890: Summer Villas before the Vanderbilt Era, will be available for purchase at the reception and the author will be available to sign copies.
Michael C. Kathrens, author and independent scholar
Michael C. Kathrens is an independent scholar specializing in American residential architecture and interior decoration of the mid-19th through the early 20th centuries. His previous publications include American Splendor: The Residential Architecture of Horace Trumbauer; The Great Houses of New York: 1880-1930; Newport Villas: 1885-1935, The Revival Styles; and Kansas City Houses 1885-1938.
Kathrens is currently working on three projects: The Houses of Ogden Codman Jr.; New York Penthouses and Maisonettes; and a comprehensive study of prominent historical Kansas City stores.
Live at Marble House or via Zoom video conference
More Tours, Events & Exhibitions
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
June 24, 2024 – January 1, 2026
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.
Wild Imagination: Art and Animals in the Gilded Age
August 30, 2024 – January 12, 2025
9:00am – 3:00pm
Wild Imagination will explore the changing place of animals in the Gilded Age, a period that transformed how we view and treat the animal world, through more than 100 animal-themed artworks in a range of media.
Member Trip to Boston: A Journey Through History and Culture
February 7, 2025
8:00am – 5:30pm
Treat yourself to a memorable day of cultural enrichment and architectural wonders in the heart of Boston. The itinerary invites members to explore the city’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Servant Life Tour
Daily
10 am and 2 pm
Beginning February 15. 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.
WinterFest 2025
February 17 – 21, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm
WinterFest is a weeklong celebration of the season, where families can gather to listen to a winter-themed story and create a take-home craft.
The Newport Piccolo Simposio: Italian Influence in Newport
April 3, 2025
8:30am – 5:30pm
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.
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.
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
November 22 – December 29, 2025
Admission at 4 pm, 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm and 6 pm. Gates close at 6:30 pm. House & grounds close at 8 pm
This outdoor spectacle of holiday lights will dazzle and delight you! The 13-acre landscape of The Breakers turns into a wonderland of color and light. Includes tour of the lavishly decorated rooms inside the house. Open on select evenings through the season. Includes access to The Breakers interior during the same visit.