NRF promotes and invests in the architectural heritage of the Newport community, the traditional building trades, and Doris Duke’s fine and decorative arts collections, for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all.
As a leader in the preservation of early American architecture, NRF supports research and education in areas directly related to its collections and issues of critical concern to the field of historic preservation.
Visit Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion and enjoy panoramic ocean views from the extensive grounds. Open late March to November.
The Vernon House is a site for expansive story-telling, contemporary dialogue, and preservation trades skill-building.
Newport Restoration Foundation holds one of the largest collections of period architecture owned by a single organization anywhere in the United States.
Celebrate excellence in historic preservation efforts within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
Live amidst history by renting one of our many historic properties.
A Career of Giving: The Surprising Legacy of Doris Duke explored how Doris Duke turned her good fortune and personal interests into a life's work in philanthropy. Learn more about this fascinating woman and the depth of her generosity, as well as her lesser-known passions and surprising ways that she donated her time and an estimated $400 million in her lifetime.
Sun Hat
Choir Robe
Native American Dress
This hat from the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival represents Doris Duke love and support of jazz music over her lifetime.
Doris Duke was a supporter of music, in particular jazz and gospel. In addition, she was a lifelong student of music and explored both genres in depth. Her love of jazz led her to found the recording company JoDo, Inc., in 1964, which produced Clover Records until 1970. Miss Duke also sang in the gospel choir at the First Baptist Church in Nutley, New Jersey, under the direction of Reverend Lawrence C. Roberts beginning in 1967.
Beginning in 1956, Doris Duke became involved in Native American causes. There are no details explaining what piqued her concern. That year, Miss Duke made a donation of more than 250 head of Jersey cattle to the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. In honor of her generosity, Miss Duke was recognized by the tribe and given the name “Princess Charity” or ‘Wa-cantki-ye-win.” This Native American dress was a gift to Doris Duke from the tribe to be worn as part of her naming ceremony in 1960.
