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Tours
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Explore 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.
Episode Deep Dive
Learn about the people, places and events depicted in Julian Fellowes' popular historical drama series.
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.
Museum Rentals & Weddings
Host your wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate event, or other celebration at our historic museums.
The rooms interpreted as George Peabody Wetmore’s (1846-1921) childhood bedroom suite at Chateau-sur-Mer are featured as Oscar Van Rhijn’s New York apartment. Wetmore was the son of William Shepard Wetmore, who built Chateau-sur-Mer, and he became a Rhode Island governor and U.S. senator.
Mr. Russell’s office at the Fifth Avenue house appears to be inspired by George Wetmore’s library at Chateau-sur-Mer.
The suppression of Black Americans was common among most markets and businesses in the North, as Peggy Scott encounters, as success was still dependent on the consumers of the South — very typical in the manufacturing and media markets.
The Red Cross fundraising activity has a precedent with Alice Vanderbilt at The Breakers. New York Times, August 28, 1914: “Red Cross Bazaar At Newport Today; Committee Expects to Realize $35,000 at Benefit Affair at the Breakers.” The Breakers, one of the outstanding landmarks of the Gilded Age, was designed by Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II (1843-1899), head of the New York Central Railway system, his wife, Alice, and their children.
Dogs as pets: The Westminster Show began in 1877 at Gilmore’s Gardens, the future site of Madison Square Garden. While the domestication and ownership of dogs was nothing new, the idea of dogs as tranquil, pleasing additions to the household was relatively modern, rather than the utility of a dog as a hunter, retriever, or flock and cattle herder.
The room where Mr. Morris seals his fate, presumably featured as his bedroom, is the real-life, grown-up bedroom of George Wetmore at Chateau-sur-Mer.
In 1882, Marian arrives at the home of her “old money” aunts Agnes and Ada, whose new neighbors vie to break into New York high society.
Marian receives a visit from Tom Raikes, whose legal advice Peggy seeks. The Russells take center stage at a charity bazaar.
Marian learns more about Mrs. Chamberlain. George makes a deal to benefit Bertha. Peggy meets a trailblazing newspaperman.
Bertha, Marian, Aurora, and Peggy make an overnight trip to see Clara Barton speak. Gladys’ desired beau is invited to dinner.
Mr. McAllister’s visit to the Russells shakes the aunts’ household. George aims to control the narrative. Marian considers her feelings.
As a historic moment captures the city, Agnes vows to protect her family’s reputation, while Larry’s career plans rub George the wrong way.
Peggy reveals the truth about her past, while George’s day in court arrives, and Marian considers her romantic future.
Marian’s grand plan is threatened. Bertha and Mrs. Astor lock horns over Gladys’ debut. Peggy is stunned by a major reveal.
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