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.
A joint program of the Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport, the annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards encourage excellence in historic preservation efforts within Newport and across Aquidneck Island by recognizing exemplary preservation projects and educational activities, and acknowledging individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation of the built environment.
Christopher Townsend House (1725) Bridge Street, Newport, RI
Awarded to Andy Segal and Karen Weber; for exterior restoration and elevation of this 18th-century home within the FEMA floodplain. This project, an early Newport example of voluntarily elevating a property vulnerable to sea level rise, was the first to follow guidance set by the Newport Historic District Commissions’ Design Guidelines for Elevating Historic Buildings.
Midcliff (1886) Ruggles Avenue, Newport, RI
Awarded to Kirby Perkins Construction and Susan and George Petrovas for the exterior restoration of their Queen Anne Victorian-style home – Midcliff – originally designed by Peabody & Stearns. The project included the replacement of the failed modern roofing, flashings, chimney restorations, removal of multiple lead-based paint layers, and replication of original trim and siding details.
Rise to Redemption Walking Tours Sankofa Community Connection, Newport, RI
Awarded to Niko Merritt for the development of an interactive walking tour that offers a look into the lives of Newport’s community of African heritage in the 18th century. The tour was developed in 2016 in response to the Black community’s lack of representation in Newport’s history. The tour goes beyond the typically discussed topics of enslavement and the European slave trade to humanize African heritage and clear up historical inaccuracies. The tour focuses on two individuals, Duchess and John Quamino, who fought for their freedom and became influential members of Newport society and highlights individuals who fought for the education and freedom of the Black community.
Serpentine Path Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
Awarded to The Preservation Society of Newport County for the landscape rehabilitation at The Breakers. The project expanded public access to the grounds and created a 1,500-foot-long path around the property from the Shepard Avenue gate on the north side to the Cliff Walk in the southeast corner. The path is part of a multi-phase plan to restore The Breakers’ 13-acre grounds.
Trevett School (1809) Third Street, Newport, RI
Awarded to Michael Terra for the exterior restoration and belfry reconstruction. The school was originally built by Eleazer Trevett on Barney Street, before being moved to Cherry Street, and finally to Third Street. The belfry was intact for the moves from Barney and Cherry Streets. However, the foundation had deteriorated significantly, requiring the building to be raised for foundation repairs. Significant care was taken to replicate the original belfry and preserve the original character of the school.
James and Alice Ross
Mr. & Mrs. Mortimer Berkowitz III
EJMP Fund for Philanthropy
Edith McBean
Dr. Holly Bannister and Mr. Douglas Newhouse
DBVW Architects
Lisa Whisler Garavanta
Mr. John D. Harris II & Ms. Linda Sawyer
Bowen’s Wharf Company
D.F. Dwyer Insurance Agency
Kim and Glenn Darden
Gustave White Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Ms. Stefani Hulitar
Christine MacDonald
Victoria Leiter Mele
Peter and Susan Metzger
Newport Lamp and Shade Co., Inc.
Sandra Liotus Lighting Design, LLC
Betsy and Wally Turner, in honor of Victoria Mele
Lynne and Armin Allen
M. Therese Antone
B.R. Arnold Construction Co., Inc.
BankNewport
Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP
Lilly Dick
Fairfax and Sammons Architects Inc.
Farrar Associates, Inc.
Lloyd and Hope Griscom
Ivy Wealth Management
Joseph Gnazzo Company
John Peixinho
Salve Regina University
Diana Pearson Scheetz in memory of Nicholas B. Scheetz
Major General & Mrs. Stephen R. Seiter
Cynthia Sinclair