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 April to November.
Experience the only museum in the world specializing in 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts.
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.
Walking through Rough Point on Mother’s Day, I’m particularly aware of the mothers looking on from their gilded-framed perches. Nanaline Holt Inman Duke’s presence via portrait is mere inches away as we walk upstairs to what was her bedroom, now arranged as her daughter, Doris Duke, decorated it and used it a few decades ago.
Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers or simply caring for your lawn, proper soil is the key to good results. The trained Master Gardeners will evaluate the texture and pH of your soil sample, provide advice on improving your growing conditions, and tell you how to get more detailed testing.
Information about the history of house paint and about NRF's own historic colors (including sources for buying your own).
Want to learn more about Historic Home Maintenance? Check out NRF's recommendations for expert resources in common mistakes, National Preservation Organizations, vinyl, windows, books and more!
Check out this helpful, annotated list of our favorite books, articles and web links related to Historic Preservation and Architecture.
A helpful review of building styles between 1620 and 1840.
Every house has a story to tell, and uncovering that story is like a treasure hunt. Take the time to sift through the records and the history of your property will slowly unfold. You will come to learn more about the history of the structure, its residents, and its role in a larger neighborhood story.
Historic preservationists do not want to freeze time. Preservation is not about resisting change, rather it’s about managing change so that as communities evolve they do not lose their special places along the way. All old buildings - from the plainest barn to the most elaborate mansion, from a 1750s Georgian house to a 1950s ranch house – deserve to be preserved. This is how we hold onto our heritage and keep our community’s character.
Until recently, very little was known about this wonderful, but mysterious, painting in Rough Point’s collection. NRF's Laird Graduate Intern in Museum Studies, had the opportunity to dive deeply into research on both the house and its collection, and I found out there's more to this painting than originally thought.
This season, we are celebrating a family reunion of sorts. After 17 years, Nanaline, Doris, and James B. Duke are together again at the top of the grand staircase at Rough Point.
