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.
Join us for the first Whitehorne Day of the season! From 12-3 p.m., visitors of all ages are invited to Whitehorne House Museum’s garden for a fun afternoon celebrating restoration and conservation. Explore how NRF carpenters perfectly match centuries-old carvings during the restoration process and try your hand at cleaning historic objects with our museum staff. Visitors can also meet craftspeople, experts, and shop owners who work in the restoration and conservation fields.
The Collective Perspectives panel discussion originally scheduled for 3 p.m. will be held virtually at a later date.
Whitehorne Days programming is made possible through major funding support from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council seeds, supports, and strengthens public history, cultural heritage, civic education, and community engagement by and for all Rhode Islanders.
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This free program, recommended for kids aged Pre-K to 1st grade, takes place in our beautiful pocket garden at the Whitehorne House Museum. Listen to storybook readings in the garden and put together a themed craft to take home. Outdoor seating is provided.
Families with children under 12 receive free admission to Whitehorne House Museum on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. through August 26.
In the event of rain, this program will be canceled. However, we hope you will be able to join us the following week!
On Friday, July 22, the museum will be closed, but this outdoor program will be held as scheduled.
Climb inside the historic windmill, explore our varied gardens with URI’s Master Gardeners, and enjoy themed activities and crafts. Each month, NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm.
In June, NRF will guide attendees in creating terrariums made from recycled bottles. Bring your own bottle if possible!
Most people came to know Doris Duke through newspaper headlines and paparazzi images, but who did Doris count among her close friends and confidantes? While Doris’s name was connected to other celebrities like Andy Warhol, Imelda Marcos, and Jackie Onassis, those who knew her best are less well-known. Join us as we unveil the most intimate and influential relationships in Doris’s life.
We know it’s later in the growing season, but you’ll want to save some space in your garden for this sale. Our estate gardeners have culled over 400 perennials from Doris Duke’s historic gardens, and this is your chance to plant a little bit of history in your home garden. One-gallon, five-gallon, and baby plants already rooted in soil will be priced to sell.
PLEASE NOTE: The Plant Sale is Cash Only. The grounds and gardens will be open and free to the public all day!
Almost every Newporter with a long enough memory has a story about Doris Duke. Special guests, including former staff and friends, recount their experiences, and we hope you bring your own recollections to share at this casual event that examines the legends and lore of Doris’ time in Newport.
