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.
Tour Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion and enjoy panoramic ocean views from the extensive grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Open late March to November.
Experience the only museum in the world specializing in 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts. Open late May to October.
Explore 40 acres of open space, a tribute to the agrarian heritage of Aquidneck Island. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk for public enjoyment.
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.
Help us to continue a lived-in legacy by becoming a Restoration Partner today.
Newport is a unique city filled with special stories. The Newport Restoration Foundation interprets the life of Doris Duke, one of Newport’s most famous residents, but her story is only one part of the many-layered portrait of our community. As a member of the Newport community, NRF embraces the textured history of the city, and welcomes the stories and memories of the many different people who lived and live here.
By sharing your own story, you contribute to the collective and varied memory of our city, and we hope you are able to find connections with others in our community as you look through the collection. The Memory you submit may reflect on any topic you choose; this is your story after all! We’ve included some question prompts below if that helps you to begin brainstorming, but if you would like to explore a memory or story of Newport that falls outside of the questions we’ve posed, please feel free to pursue it.
What is your first memory of Newport?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Newport?
What object do you own/have at home that most reminds you of Newport?
What changes have you seen take place in Newport during your lifetime?
You are free to share your Memory with us however you would like: through video, audio recording, written story, poetry, art, etc. Contributions will be posted to NRF’s online collection on Flickr, where you will be able to see your submission alongside other Newporters’. Click below to view the page.
View Memories of Newport
To submit a Memory, please click below and complete this online form.
SUBMIT YOUR MEMORY
Submissions may be made as text, video, audio, or photo. Text submissions may not exceed 1000 characters.
Memories will be posted online within 5 business days.
If you have any questions regarding this project or your submission, please contact Caitlyn Sellar at caitlyn@newportrestoration.org. Thank you for sharing your memories with us!
Photo courtesy of Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Historical Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.