About the Newport Restoration Foundation
NRF is a nonprofit organization founded by Doris Duke in 1968 to protect and preserve the unique architectural and cultural heritage of Newport. Our multi-faceted approach to historic preservation centers on sustainability, adaptability, and resiliency as outcomes of our initiatives in preservation trades training, shaping urban environments, and collaborative community storytelling.
Our
Houses
Rough Point Museum
Rough Point Museum was the Newport home of heiress, collector, and philanthropist Doris Duke (1912-1993). Explore Doris Duke’s life and legacy, her collections of art, and the work of the Newport Restoration Foundation.
Vernon House
The William Vernon House (circa 1708 & 1760) is one of the most historically significant buildings in Newport, Rhode Island. The house is connected to many integral stories from Newport’s history and today is a venue for contemporary storytelling and conversations.
Preservation Properties
Following Doris Duke’s impulse to “preserve and restore,” NRF has restored over 100 buildings over the course of nearly six decades—shaping the cityscape of Newport and how we experience the city today.
Women Designers of the 20th-Century. Makers. Materials. Expression
Not just fashion history. Fashioning history.
Explore the stories of the innovative, bold, and inspiring women designers featured in the collection of Doris Duke.
This exhibition celebrates over 400 years of the contributions and resiliency of African heritage and Indigenous peoples in Newport, Rhode Island.
Museum
Store
Visit the NRF Museum Store and browse our selection inspired by items from the collections, the life of Doris Duke, and more.
