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.
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.
Since its inception 14 years ago, the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards have raised close to $600,000 to support preservation in and around Newport.
We invite you to join us for this signature celebration, recognizing members of our community who have made significant contributions to the preservation and character of Aquidneck Island. This year’s event will be virtual and we will provide more details soon.
Though we will miss seeing you in person at Rough Point for the event, we hope you will continue to support this important annual fundraiser for NRF. Sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Doris Duke’s vision, on the founding of NRF in 1968, was to rescue and restore Newport’s oldest houses. The awards, which provide crucial support to NRF’s efforts in advancing historic preservation activities, are named in her honor.
The 14th Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards
Friday, September 11, 2020 6:00 p.m.
WATCH
The virtual award ceremony is now available for viewing!
WATCH NOW
Click here to read the 2020 Awards Program Book.
Funds raised from the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards will support important NRF preservation initiatives and activities such as advancing our work in studying climate change resilience in Newport, creating engaging community programs and events, and preserving and stewarding our historic museums and centuries-old properties.
2020 Sponsorship Opportunities:
All Sponsorship categories include admission to the virtual event. Viewing instructions will be forwarded at a later date.
Presenting Sponsor: $20,000
Platinum Sponsor: $10,000
Gold Sponsor: $5,000
Silver Sponsor: $2,500
Bronze Sponsor: $1,000
Patron Sponsor: $500
2020 Program Book
Donate to the Awards
DONATE TODAY
Download a printable version of the Sponsor Form
Sponsorship Opportunities_2020
Please direct any inquiries to Alicia Cipriano at 401.849.7300 x117.
The 2020 nomination period is now open!
A joint program of the Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport, the annual Doris Duke Preservation Awards encourages excellence in historic preservation within the community by recognizing exemplary historic preservation building and landscape projects and historic preservation activities.
This year’s deadline for nominations is May 26, 2020.
Please download a 2020 DDPA Nomination Form, which provides information about the nomination process and instructions and requirements for submitting your application.
To be added to our nomination outreach list, please email Meaghan Barry Fernandes.
For questions and form submissions, please email Alyssa Lozupone.
BankNewport (1930) 10 Washington Square, Newport, RI
Awarded to BankNewport; recognized for the rehabilitation of a 90-year-old bank in Newport’s Washington Square. The structure was built between 1929 and 1930 and was designed with the intent to blend in seamlessly with its neighbors and the character of the square. When the building was recently evaluated for a new HVAC system, it was decided that the entire space should be rehabilitated. BankNewport determined that maintaining the branch’s historical integrity while balancing modern amenities was of the utmost importance. Highlights of the rehabilitation included mechanical and electrical updates, HVAC system replacement, exterior masonry restoration, and recreations of some of the building’s original artistry by local artisans such as hand-painted gold-leaf lettering on the exterior, ornate interior ceiling details, and the lobby’s decorative plaster. They also made several technical updates to enhance the banking and ATM experience. Ultimately, the building was carefully rehabilitated and restored in order to continue serving the exact purpose it was built for decades ago - as a community bank.
Edgar House “Sunnyside” (1885) Old Beach Road, Newport, RI
Awarded to Susan and Peter Metzger; recognized for rehabilitating and restoring an early example of brick colonial revival architecture. The house was built by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead, & White between the years 1884 and 1886. In 2018, the house was purchased by Susan and Peter Metzger as a two-family home in need of preservation. Exterior restorations included repairing 20 wood columns, masonry, steps, and walkways. The 13 third floor dormers were all repaired and the roof was replaced. Inside, systems were upgraded, bathrooms were renovated, and a large-scale ceiling mural was also restored. In addition, the house was painted and the wood was refinished. After extensive work, Sunnyside is once again a stately one-family home.
International Tennis Hall of Fame: Frieze Restoration (1879-81) Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
Awarded to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHOF); recognized for the restoration of a lost portion of historic fabric unique to the Newport Casino located on Bellevue Avenue. ITHOF is dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the Newport Casino, which is where the museum resides. During the 20th century, the Newport Casino’s decorative “frieze,” or a horizontal board of sculpted or painted decoration, was replaced. Fortunately, many of the original frieze medallions were salvaged and stored at the museum. Due to their significant level of deterioration, the original medallions were not able to be reinstalled. Instead, 38 new circular and semicircular ornate medallions were hand carved to match the original size, motif, and carving techniques using historic photos and drawings. This project not only restored the historic frieze, it restored a portion of Newport’s past for all who pass through Newport’s downtown.
Mr. & Mrs. Mortimer Berkowitz III
Edith McBean
James and Alice Ross
Peter and Susan Metzger
Slocum, Gordon & Co. LLP
DBVW Architects
Ms. Stefani Hulitar
Mr. John D. Harris II & Ms. Linda Sawyer
Mrs. Hope H. vanBeuren
BankNewport
Bowen’s Wharf Company
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Darden
Mr. Patrick Dolat
Victoria L. Mele
Mark and Betty Thompson
Armin and Lynne Allen M. Therese Antone, RSM B.R. Arnold Construction Co. Inc. Brewster Thornton Group Architects Citrin Cooperman & Co., LLP Mrs. Maia Farish Farrar Associates, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Fisher Lloyd and Hope Griscom Mr. & Mrs. George G. Herrick Ivy Wealth Management Joseph Gnazzo Company Sandra Liotus Lighting Design, LLC
Christine MacDonald and Steven Fielding Philip C. Marshall Peter J. Portney Diana Prince Diana Pearson Scheetz Mr. & Mrs. Archbold D. van Beuren Carl Vernlund Architectural Photography Susan Baker Watts
