Operating Schedule
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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.
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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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Fashion is a powerful tool used to signal wealth and status. But who were the dressmakers skillfully creating the garments for privileged Newporters? Theresa Guzmán Stokes, President of 1696 Heritage Group and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, will present the life and history of dressmaker Mary Dickerson (1830-1914). Dickerson owned a “Fashionable Dressmaking Establishment” located off Bellevue Avenue and created dresses for the prominent people of Newport during the Gilded Age. She also established the first federation of African American Women’s Clubs in Rhode Island. Elaine Nichols, Supervisory Curator of Culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, will join us to discuss the life and work of Ann Lowe (1898-1981), one of America’s most significant designers. Lowe created the bridal gown and bridal party dresses for the Newport wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy in 1953, although she was not credited for her work at the time. Ms. Nichols and Ms. Stokes will discuss the prejudices that Dickerson and Lowe faced and why it is important to remember their valuable contributions to fashion and history.
Theresa Guzmán Stokes is a writer, mother, historian, community activist, editor, feminist, US military veteran, and storyteller who inspires and illuminates the complex and woven narratives of African Heritage, Latin American and Jewish Diasporic histories. Utilizing the tools of history, genealogy and cultural preservation, the Guatemalan-heritage Stokes is fiercely committed to bringing to light the untold stories of the state of Rhode Island. Ms. Stokes is an innovative leader and creator with two decades of service to causes, organizations and people that are committed to moving the needle on empowering communities of color, women and youth. After service in the United States Navy, Stokes centered her professional work on creatively presenting deeply researched stories and projects on the Ocean State and its historic roots. She has participated in and supervised dozens of historic preservations, genealogical and cultural resource investigations throughout New England and Virginia. She is president and founder of 1696 Heritage Group, a historical consulting firm dedicated to helping persons and institutions of color to increase their knowledge and access to the light of truth of their unique American heritage. Stokes is also the founder of Historical Writers of America, a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate, support and connect ALL historical writers. Ms. Stokes’ legacy work is as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (RIBHS), the oldest African Heritage society in the United States.
Elaine Nichols is the Supervisory Curator of Culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the curator responsible for the museum’s collection of dress, fashion, textiles, dolls, toys and games. She has also served as the project curator for the Civil Rights History Project, a collaboration with the Library of Congress that collected oral histories of more than 100 grassroots activists, supporters, and national leaders who were involved in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Prior to coming to the NMAAHC, Nichols worked at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia as a curator of history. She helped to build its collections related to African Americans and women from the Palmetto State. Ms. Nichols has a Master’s of Art in Public Service Archaeology from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s of Art in Social Administration and Planning from Case Western Reserve University.
Event thumbnail photo credit: Executive Board Members of the Women’s League of Newport, RI. Mary Dickerson is center, back row. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
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. *Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 10:30 & 3:30. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts will be open for public tours. *TIme changes to 1:30 pm Oct. 15-Jan. 1
Marvel at the sight of 26 life-sized elephant sculptures on the oceanside back lawn of The Breakers and learn about the importance of helping these magnificent animals survive.
This summer’s Traveling Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Garden provide families and children a fun and creative way to connect with The Preservation Society of Newport County’s multiple properties by engaging with cultural heritage and nature.
The annual Jacalyn and William P. Egan Lecture will present Preservation Society Fellow Benjamin Bowery and Curatorial Research Assistant Eve Loftus discussing their recent discoveries about interior décor in the mansions.
Kids can learn what life was like for colonial kids and try their hand at making 1700s-style toys. Recommended for ages 5 to 7. Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Create homes for the fantastic creatures in this magical garden. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
The annual Eaddo and Peter Kiernan Lecture will present two of the Preservation Society's Research Fellows discussing results of their work for the past year: Dani Zhang on our collection of Chinese artwork and objects, many produced for the Gilded Age Western market; and Isla Stewart on fine and decorative objects that illustrate Americans’ changing relationship with animals during the Gilded Age.
Learn about travel modes of the past and design your own way to go. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
For the annual John G. Winslow Lecture, Dr. Philip Rylands of The Society of the Four Arts will tell the incredible life story of Peggy Guggenheim and explore her remarkable collection of Cubist, Surrealist and Abstract art.
Children will read a story, search for butterflies and create their own wings to wear. Recommended for ages 5 to 7. Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Our annual black-tie fundraising event promises a fun and elegant evening of dinner and dancing amid a magical garden setting.
Go on a collecting adventure and make a treasure chest to store your collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Get ready for an hour of movement and dance with an instructor from Newport Contemporary Ballet. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
On the 50th anniversary of the opening of Monumenta in Newport, we will celebrate this pioneering modern sculpture exhibition that shaped the way the world now interacts with outdoor contemporary art.
Enjoy fun activities centered around the mansion's cool Sod Maze. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Learn about the different types of pollinators, what they do and how we can help. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, September 3 through 27.
Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences. Plus, special guest appearance by Jacques and Claudine Pepin!
Step back into the Gilded Age and indulge in an exquisite five-course dinner with wine pairings in the Louis XV-style Ballroom at The Elms.
Join Cakebread Cellars for an exquisite wine tasting from one of the world's top Cabernet Sauvignon production locations.
Discover some exciting Pinot Noirs from around the world!
Sharpen your mixology skills while tasting delicious cocktails from the Remy Cointreau portfolio.
Experience an in-depth tasting of Knights Bridge wines that represent the character and personality of the Knights Valley Estate
Discover the history and different styles of Ports, White, Ruby, Tawny and Vintage from the acclaimed Houses of Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca & Croft.
A fun and exciting tasting seminar that combines the cuisine of a James Beard Award Semifinalist chef with craft Japanese sake.
Join us for a masterclass and tasting of Sonoma County wines and Kentucky whiskeys finished in French oak wine casks.
Taste a variety of Sparkling, White, Sagrantino and Shiraz wines along with a Boar’s Head Pairing Plate.
Taste organic wines while diving into the concept of regenerative organic certification, biodynamics and how climate change is shifting the wine landscape.
With Claudine Pépin and Rollie Wesen of the Jacques Pépin Foundation as our co-hosts, savor a four-course dinner prepared by four talented chefs and paired with world-class wines.
Enjoy a mini charcuterie tasting plate and wines from France and Italy while learning how to create the perfect charcuterie board
Learn about and taste exemplary French dishes with paired wines and a sprinkling of history and culture. Presented by Rollie Wesen and Claudine Pépin of the Jacques Pépin Foundation.
Explore the magical characteristics of the Rioja Alta region of Spain through a selection of its world-renowned wines.
Take a tantalizing trip around the world of beer at this fun and educational seminar.
Experience a sophisticated yet approachable expression of the centuries-old tradition of mezcal.
Learn culinary secrets from two award-winning chefs and taste their creations with wines selected by our Festival Wine Director.
A lavish buffet brunch, selected wines and spirits, and jazz on the piano in the stunning Rosecliff Ballroom – the perfect way to start your festival Sunday.
This tasting will explore some of Italy's finest wines, including the powerful and opulent Amarone Riserva.
Learn and experience why the pairing of sparkling wines and caviar is a connoisseur's favorite.
Chef, author, television personality and educator Jacques Pépin shares stories of his remarkable life while guests enjoy French wines and an elegant tasting plate.
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