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
View our FAQs, map & parking, guidelines and more.
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.
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.
Who were the everyday Americans in this great period of industrialization and urbanization? Where did they come from? What did they do for work? For fun? What were their struggles and triumphs? This richly illustrated presentation examines the lives of the men, women and children whose labor helped make possible this period of astonishing transition and innovation, and who contributed to the nation’s wealth of diversity.
Event thumbnail photo credit: Mulberry Street, New York,” Detroit Publishing Company, ca. 1900. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.
Nancy C. Unger is Professor of History at Santa Clara University. She has served as President of the Society for Historians of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, and three of her four books focus on that historical period. Her op-eds applying the lessons of the past to the present have appeared in dozens of publications and websites, including The Washington Post, CNN and TIME. Additional appearances include Public Radio International, National Public Radio, PBS and C-SPAN.
“Surf Bathing,” circa 1900-1905. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.
“Breaker boys working in Ewen Breaker of Pennsylvania Coal Co.” Photograph by Lewis Hine, January 1911. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.
“Mulberry Street, New York,” Detroit Publishing Company, ca. 1900. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.
“From the Depths,” William Balfour Ker, 1906. Originally published in The Silent War by John Ames Mitchell. Library of Congress, Prints & 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.* May 11-May 31, tour will be offered daily at 10:30 am & 3:30 pm. June 1-Aug. 31, 10:30 am, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Sept. 1-Oct. 14, 10:30 & 3:30. Oct. 15-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.
This exhibition explores a largely unknown but important chapter in American history: the experience of a thriving African heritage community in Newport.
Newport County residents, be our guests! The Preservation Society invites you to visit our houses and properties for free on these dates.
Learn about W. E. B. Du Bois and his lifelong interaction with fashion and photography, as well as how he transformed himself into one of the most influential black figures of the Gilded Age.
Our Young Patron event this year is a Kentucky Derby party! Join us as we celebrate and enjoy this historic race that dates back to the Gilded Age.
Get your garden going or find nice springtime and Mother's Day gifts for friends and family! A variety of flowers, vegetables and specialty plants are available while supplies last.
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society scholars will interpret the evolution of Black Civil Rights from the early beginnings of the 18th century Free African Societies to the formation of Colored Women Clubs of the Gilded Age.
After a one-year sojourn to Marble House, New England’s premier flower show returns to Rosecliff with the theme of “At Home.”
Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences.
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