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.
An update to the kitchen was part of the Duke’s 1920s renovation, including adding the white ceramic subway tiles and large humidor for Mr. Duke’s cigars. Doris Duke upgraded the appliances, including the Vulcan range, in 1981. Two polished oak and brass iceboxes installed during the 1920s renovation, one here and one in the pantry, were updated with mechanical cooling systems in 1958.
Cigar storage case
The Wilke Manufacturing Company also made refrigerators around the turn of the twentieth century that were covered in porcelain tiles, just as on this freestanding cigar case, which was installed in the kitchen by James Buchanan Duke when renovating Rough Point in 1922.
