by CC:S MY | Jan 30, 2019 | NRF News
Sometime during my first week serving as the NRF’s Director of Museums, our Marketing Manager suggested that I write an introductory blog post. I said, “Sure, in fact, I think I’ll write two, an introduction and something about my favorite room at Rough Point. And I should have both pieces to you in about two weeks.”
Perhaps the above anecdote gives you some sense of my excitement about serving as the Director of Museums for this unique and significant organization. Others might rightly see in the same story my ability to foolishly bite off more than I can chew. Nevertheless, I promised to introduce myself, which I really should do, so on to the introductions!
I am a public historian and museum professional with some twenty years of experience in the fields of museum education, public programming, departmental leadership, exhibition curation, and other forms of museum practice and historical interpretation. I hold a Ph.D. in American history from UCLA, and I have taught American history, world history, public history, and American Jewish history on numerous campuses across Southern California.
Undoubtedly, my deepest commitment as a scholar and museum professional is to the field of public history, which I would define as the practice of sharing scholarship and other historical practices (historical preservation, for example) with as broad a public as possible. I believe that a general understanding of the work of historians and others in the historical profession is vital to the foundation of a civil society, and I have committed most of my professional life to bridging the gap between working historians and the public. My commitment to public history is very much in keeping with the goals and programming of the Newport Restoration Foundation. Indeed, the Foundation’s mission statement makes clear that it does not simply promote preservation for preservation’s sake, but rather for the “enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all.” Whether you live in an NRF home, visit an NRF museum, or just observe our beautiful restoration work on the streets of Newport, you are learning or experiencing something about the past and the work of those who study and interpret history. Needless to say, I am thrilled to work for an organization that shares my interests and passions in such tangible and clear ways.
Prior to joining the NRF team, I worked the Autry Museum of the American West, an institution dedicated to the history and contemporary culture of the trans-Mississippi West (broadly construed). Over a nearly twenty year career at the Autry, I served as a museum teacher, a public programs manager, curator, and most notably as the Director of Education and Visitor Engagement. As I noted above, much of my practice revolved around making the work of academic historians visible and accessible to the general public, but I also spent a great deal of time building bridges between the museum and the diverse communities of Los Angeles. I instituted an award-winning program that empowered students from grades K-college to curate public history projects that ranged from student art exhibitions to the production of short films, plays, and beyond.
Early on in my career, I brought former gang members, representatives of the LAPD, and western historians to the table to discuss the history of violence in Los Angeles and the broader American West, and over the past decade, I have spent a great deal of time working with California’s diverse Native-American communities. I did so, because I believe deeply in the power of museums and other historical sites to serve as places of learning, engagement, and understanding. To be sure, the museums of the NRF are very different from the sites I worked at in Southern California, but I still believe they have the power to educate, engage, and unite individuals and communities, and I look forward to exploring how we might achieve those ends in Newport and Southern New England.
In addition to my work at the Autry, I have also spent much of the past twenty years doing consultation work for other institutions, pursuing and completing my Ph.D., and teaching in the university classroom (still more examples of my willingness to bite off more than I can chew).
Twenty years is a long time to work at and in one place, but I found the Autry and the scholarly community of Southern California to be a valuable and nurturing training ground and a supportive environment in which to pursue my public history practice. It really took the prospect of working somewhere as special and valuable as the Newport Restoration Foundation to get my wife and I to pick up stakes and move across the country, but we are delighted to be here, and I am thrilled to be the Foundation’s Director of Museums.
To be clear, I am not a complete stranger to the Northeast or New England. I was born in Mt. Auburn Hospital up in Cambridge, MA more years ago than I care to admit, and I was raised in suburban New York, where I lived until 1987. So my new position and new location represent a kind of homecoming for me. There is much in my return to the Northeast that I have found very familiar and very comforting. Yes, I will have to get used to the winter cold again, but I appreciate the eastern greenery (made possible by regular precipitation) as well as the access to real pizza. I look forward to experiencing four seasons (in LA there are only two—hot and less hot with a little rain). I enjoy hearing New England accents. And I appreciate living closer to my family in New York. I will admit that as a New York Giants fan I find it tough to be surrounded by so many Patriots jerseys, but that’s a small price to pay for joining such a wonderful institution and working with such a talented and committed staff.
Those of you who read these blogs will read more from me from time to time (Remember that second blogpost? I still have to write it…), but the truth is that I would rather meet you in person at one of our museums. So when the season begins, please come to Rough Point, Whitehorne House Museum, or Prescott Farm. You might find me walking around. In fact, I spent most of my first Friday morning on the job walking the grounds of all three sites, and I loved it! If you would really would like to meet me, send me an e-mail and let me know you’re coming. I will do my best to find the time to say hello. You can reach me at Erik@newportrestoration.org
See You in Newport!
By Erik Greenberg, Ph.D., Director of Museums, Newport Restoration Foundation
by CC:S MY | Dec 20, 2018 | NRF News
Newport Restoration Foundation is deeply saddened by the recent passing of our Chair Emerita, Mrs. Marion Oates “Oatsie” Charles on December 5, 2018. Mrs. Charles was the longest serving NRF board member, serving for 37 years (1977-2014). For many of those years, the NRF board consisted of founder Doris Duke, Jackie Kennedy, Alletta Morris McBean, and later, J. Carter Brown. Mrs. Charles served as President of the Board of Trustees, and was a dear friend of Doris Duke.
In her will, Doris Duke named Mrs. Charles as one of two trustees for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. She served on the DDCF board from its founding in 1996, including as its Vice Chairman. She was named Trustee Emerita in 2008.
In 2010, Mrs. Charles received the Distinguished Steward Award at the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards in recognition of her support for preservation in Newport and Washington, D.C. She was also one of the driving forces behind the remodel of Queen Anne Square in Newport, spearheading the effort to hire Maya Lin to design “The Meeting Room,” as a public tribute to Doris Duke.
The Newport Restoration Foundation and the broader Newport community has lost a valued member and leader. Mrs. Charles was beloved by all for her dedication, graciousness and sense of humor. NRF would like to recognize Mrs. Charles for her significant contributions and service, and will continue to celebrate her as a tireless advocate for preservation in Newport. Thank you, Mrs. Charles.
The family plans a memorial service in Newport in June. We are honored that, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Newport Restoration Foundation.
by CC:S MY | Sep 4, 2018 | NRF News
This October officially marks the 50th anniversary of the Newport Restoration Foundation, so we’re opening our doors to the community with special events, including FREE admission to Rough Point on October 24 to celebrate our Golden Birthday. This entire year we’ve been looking back at — and sometimes reviving — what Doris Duke and others were up to around the time of its founding. Please mark your calendars for special events across all of our museum locations including:
Newport Schools Night
Rough Point
September 19 / 5:00 – 7:00 pm / Free
Tucked all the way at the end of Bellevue, Rough Point is easy to miss. All Newport K-12 students and their families are invited to visit Doris Duke’s eccentric home for a night of fun and exploration. The museum and grounds will be open for strolling. Lawn picnics and #camelgrams encouraged. All ages welcomed. Ages 18 and under are free, and adults admitted free if accompanied by a K-12 student. Otherwise, general admission is $10.
A Closer Look at Designing for Doris, Curators Tour & Open House
Rough Point
September 20 / 4:30 – 7:00 pm / Free
David Webb archivists Dianne Batista and Levi Higgs will explore the intersecting interests of David Webb and Doris Duke in this special tour of Designing for Doris: David Webb Jewelry and Newport’s Architectural Gems. The tour will touch on the curatorial process and the commitment to beauty and design that drew two creative minds together. Tours will be held at 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 (advance registration required). Light refreshments served at the open house to follow, which is free and open to the public. This is a Design Week RI event.
Ask a Gardener
Rough Point
September 29 & October 27 / 11:00 am, weather permitting
Included with admission to the house or grounds
Every last Saturday of the month, estate gardeners share their expertise on a range of topics from plant identification to organic garden care. Get insider tips on how to make your own garden as lush as the gardens at Rough Point.
Gardening with the Masters: Colonial Foodways of New England
Prescott Farm
October 7 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Lecture begins at 11:00 am
Free Event
Whether you’re growing lettuce or lupines, the URI Master Gardeners are here to help! At 11:00 am hear garden pros speak on selected topics. This month, learn about “Colonial Foodways of New England” with Jeff Richards. The 1812 Sherman Windmill is also open for touring.
Stone Wall Workshop
Prescott Farm
October 13 / 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
$40, Advance registration required
Learn the art of traditional stone wall construction and repair from the experts. Join Master class instructors Chris and Dan Smith for their fifteenth year leading this hands-on workshop. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided for all participants. If you have work gloves, please bring them along. Please note: In the event of bad weather, the rain date is October 14.
NRF’s Golden Birthday
October 24 / Free
In October 1968, the Newport Restoration Foundation was officially incorporated – 50 years later we invite Newport to celebrate the work that’s been accomplished and the exciting road ahead.
9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue
Admission to Rough Point, Doris Duke’s Newport home and the site of the earliest NRF’s annual board meetings, is free all day.
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Vernon House, 46 Clarke Street
Vernon House, one of the newest additions to NRF’s collection of 18th century buildings, will be open to the public for an evening of community and celebration. Drop in to say hello, explore one of Newport’s most fascinating buildings, and toast to the next 50 years! Light refreshments will be served. Advance registration required here.
Workshopping the Collection: Newport’s Cabinetmaking Tradition
Whitehorne House Museum
October 14 / 1:00 – 3:00 pm
$50; advance registration required
Get up close and personal with the early American furniture collection at the Whitehorne House Museum. Jeffrey Greene will be turning his craftsman’s eye to the construction details and design differences that set Newport furniture apart. Expect hands-on experience and careful examination during this seminar-style workshop. We’re turning tables upside-down, removing drawers, and getting on hands and knees to study the distinct form of Newport ball-and-claw feet.
Workshopping the Collection: Identifying Legendary Newport Cabinetmakers
Whitehorne House Museum
October 28 / 1:00 – 3:00 pm
$50; advance registration required
Jeffrey Greene will be turning his craftsman’s eye to the minute details of a piece that help to identify the maker. Only a tiny percentage of high-end Newport furniture is signed or labeled, but craftsman’s markings and methods of work are as identifiable as handwriting and have yielded some surprising discoveries. Expect hands-on experience and careful examination during this seminar-style workshop.
Colonial Survival and Modern Revival: Newport in the 1960s
Rough Point
October 30 / 5:00 – 7 :00 pm / $15
Newport in the 1960s was a time-worn place, a city of many architectural layers. Some saw decay; others saw a sleeping beauty. Urban renewal celebrated modernity, and historic preservation revered the past. These two forces were engaged in an epic battle for the future of the city. Through period photographs and compelling news reports, journey back to the old colonial districts of the Historic Hill and Point and witness the explosive firmament of the 1960s when an important chapter in Newport’s history was being written. Doors will open at 5:00; the lecture begins at 5:30. We invite you to visit the special exhibition galleries before the program.
For more information on all events, visit www.NewportRestoration.org/events.
by CC:S MY | Jul 24, 2018 | NRF News
The month of August is jam-packed with fun activities that continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Newport Restoration Foundation. We’ll be looking back at — and sometimes reviving — what Doris Duke and others were up to around the time of its founding and much more! Please mark your calendars for special events including:
A Perfect Storm: The Collision of Hurricanes, Climate Change and Coastal Population Growth
Newport Historical Society Resource Center
August 1 / 5:00 – 7:00 pm
$10 – $5 NHS members & NRF tenants
Jeff Donnelly, a climatologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will discuss the historical links between hurricanes, climate change, and the population growth along the coast. Please register for this event by calling 401-846-0813 x110 or email hrockwood@newporthistory.org.
Gene Smith’s Sink and the Mid-Century Underground Jazz Scene
Rough Point
August 2 / 5:30 – 7:00 pm
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
This talk follows the footsteps of legendary mid-century photographer Eugene Smith and his New York City “jazz loft,” which became an afterhours haunt for the likes of Thelonious Monk, Zoot Sims, and yes… even Doris Duke.
Gardening with the Masters: The Three Sisters Technique
Prescott Farm
August 5 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Lecture begins at 11:00 am
Free Event
Join the Master Gardeners for another special presentation this month at Prescott Farm. On Sunday, August 5 at 11 am, Betsy McClintock will speak about the “The Three Sisters Growing Technique”. In this lecture, learn the history, legend and practical use of Three Sisters Gardening and see a growing example at Prescott Farm. The Guard House and 1812 Windmill will also be open and staffed for public enjoyment.
Whitehorne House Museum Open House
August 9 / 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Free Event
A fixture of Lower Thames Street for almost 45 years, it’s time for some change at Whitehorne House Museum! Explore the collection of 18th-century Newport furniture for the first time or come back to hear about plans for the revitalization. The museum’s charming pocket garden will also be open for wandering.
Camelot vs. the Counterculture: Fashion and Society in the 1960s
Rough Point
August 23 / 5:30 – 7:00 pm
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Jackie Kennedy in the White House and Grace Slick at Woodstock. This illustrated talk explores the tangled web of fashion, culture, and society in the 1960s. This event is sponsored by the Costume Society of America, Northeast Chapter.
Ask a Gardener
Rough Point
August 25 / 11:00 am, weather permitting
Included with admission to the house or grounds
Every last Saturday of the month, estate gardeners share their expertise on a range of topics from plant identification to organic garden care. Get insider tips on how to make your own garden as lush as the gardens at Rough Point.
For more information on all events, visit www.NewportRestoration.org/events.
by CC:S MY | May 24, 2018 | NRF News
This spring and summer, NRF will offer public programming that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Newport Restoration Foundation by looking back at — and sometimes reviving — what Doris Duke and others were up to around the time of its founding. Please mark your calendars for special events including:
Ask a Gardener
Rough Point
May 26 / 10:30 am, weather permitting
Price: Included with admission to the house or grounds
Every last Saturday of the month, estate gardeners share their expertise on a range of topics from plant identification to organic garden care. Get insider tips on how to make your own garden as lush as the gardens at Rough Point.
Gardening with the Masters
Prescott Farm
First Sunday of the month
June 3 & July 1 at 10:00 am -12:00 pm / Free
Whether you’re growing lettuce or lupines, the URI Master Gardeners are here to help! Bring in a soil sample from your home garden for free analysis. At 11:00 am, hear garden pros speak on selected topics. The 1812 Sherman Windmill will also be open for touring.
Whitehorne House Museum Open House
June 14 & July 12 / 5:00-7:00 pm / Free
A fixture of Lower Thames Street for almost 45 years, it’s time for some change at Whitehorne House Museum! Explore the collection of 18th-century Newport furniture for the first time or come back to hear about plans for the revitalization. The museum’s charming pocket garden will also be open for wandering.
Premier Of “I Dare You: A Musical Suite Dedicated To Doris Duke”
Rough Point
June 15 / 7:30-9:00 pm
$25 in advance; $30 at the door
Doris Duke’s lifelong passion for jazz is reignited at Rough Point this summer. Composer and musician Francisco Pais has assembled musicians from around the world to debut an original contemporary jazz suite inspired by Doris. Listen to the imagined soundtrack of her life at this one-of-a-kind performance.
Party Like It’s 1968 Garden Party
Rough Point
July 11 / 5:00-7:00 pm
$25 in advance; $30 at the door
Back by popular demand! Come celebrate this big year for NRF in 1960s style. Join us as we get groovy with vintage cocktails, ocean breezes, genteel lawn games, and live music.
Closet Tour: Doris Duke’s 1960s Wardrobe
Rough Point
July 17 / 5:30-7:00 pm
$15 in advance; $20 at the door
Get a rare glimpse inside Doris Duke’s closet and the Rough Point costume collection. This curator-led experience will focus on Doris’s sartorial choices during the 1960s, including go-go boots and colorful caftans, and what we can learn from the garments she left behind.
by CC:S MY | May 22, 2018 | NRF News
Newport Restoration Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our brand new website! Our new user-friendly, mobile responsive site, has been designed to encourage exploration as well as provide educational resources to the community and beyond. Interactive features have been developed to give online visitors more opportunities to learn about NRF and what we do. For instance, you don’t want to miss:
You may also notice our logo is looking a little different these days. Along with our new website, NRF is launching a new brand identity with a refreshed logo design and updated color palette that unifies all areas of the organization. NRF actively participates in the field of historic preservation through our tenant stewardship program and Keeping History Above Water initiative, as well as operates three museums in the Newport area. Our new branding will tie all of these entities together to clearly express our mission.
Who knew 50 years could look this good? This brand launch coincides with the 50th anniversary year of the Newport Restoration Foundation, and is one of the many projects we are doing to celebrate this incredible milestone. NRF has evolved greatly from its beginnings in 1968, when it was founded by heiress and philanthropist, Doris Duke. From starting as a historic preservation organization focused in Newport, RI, to Doris Duke’s establishment of Whitehorne House and Prescott Farm as museums, and later, the acquisition of Rough Point Museum after her passing, NRF’s identity has changed as these different events occurred. In its 50th year, NRF is defining that identity, and preparing for what another 50 years may look like as an organization.
Newport Restoration Foundation would like to especially thank our website and design partners from Design Agency in Pawtucket, RI and Jake & Co in Providence, RI for their vision and dedication to this project. We hope you’ll enjoy using our new site and please stay tuned for more from NRF as we continue to roll out our refreshed look this year!
