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.
The Butler's Pantry served as a staging area between the Kitchen and Dining Room. Food was passed from the Kitchen through a small window to keep cooking smells and noise separate from the Dining Room. The large oak icebox kept foods chilled, while the warming oven with polished metal doors kept food warm. The butler used the large central table to prepare the meal for presentation in the Dining Room or for delivery, while Doris Duke was in residence, on a custom-made wheeled cart to other parts of the house.
All the dishes, glassware, silverware, and table linens, were kept in this room either in the cabinets above or in two large locked vaults hidden behind the wood paneling on the far right of the wall with the warming oven. A silver closet just inside the door to the Dining Room kept the silver organized and secure. After dinner the room acted as a receiving area as the butler removed dishes from the table and brought them to the pantry for washing. An annunciator, or call box, remains on the wall just inside the door to the back hallway. The microwave and Dustbuster remind us that the room remained in continuous use throughout the 20th century.