Beyond Fortune: Doris Duke’s Legacy of Philanthropy

Beyond Fortune: Doris Duke’s Legacy of Philanthropy

Doris Duke was one of the most philanthropic individuals of her time: she gave away more than $400 million dollars (in today’s dollars), much of it anonymously. She was a woman who cared deeply about bettering the world through environmental stewardship, medical research, the restoration of historic sites, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Join us on a tour of Rough Point that explores Doris Duke’s philanthropic interests and the lasting impact of this philanthropy on Newport and beyond.

Know before you go: This tour takes place primarily indoors. Weather-dependent, the tour will also include some time outdoors in spaces that are not wheelchair accessible.
Includes light refreshments.

Tickets are limited! Reserve yours here

About Telling Stories: Guided Tours:
Telling Stories: Guided Tours at NRF goes deeper into the legacy of Doris Duke through the exploration of her life—including how her work preserving, restoring, and sharing Newport’s cultural heritage impacts us today. Each tour takes a closer look at the people behind the places and collections we care for.

Behind the Walls: The Vernon House

Behind the Walls: The Vernon House

This tour will give you a look inside rooms and spaces not currently open to the public at Vernon House, including the third floor and the cellar. Learn about NRF’s preservation plan for this 300+ year-old home and discover more about the complex layers of the house—from the architectural to the stories of the people who helped form our nation.

Know before you go: The first floor of this tour is accessible by wheelchair, but most of this tour includes spaces that are not currently wheelchair accessible.

Tickets are limited! Reserve yours here

About Telling Stories: Guided Tours:
Telling Stories: Guided Tours at NRF goes deeper into the legacy of Doris Duke through the exploration of her life—including how her work preserving, restoring, and sharing Newport’s cultural heritage impacts us today. Each tour takes a closer look at the people behind the places and collections we care for.

Behind the Walls: The Vernon House

Behind the Walls: The Vernon House

This tour will give you a look inside rooms and spaces not currently open to the public at Vernon House, including the third floor and the cellar. Learn about NRF’s preservation plan for this 300+ year-old home and discover more about the complex layers of the house—from the architectural to the stories of the people who helped form our nation.

Know before you go: The first floor of this tour is accessible by wheelchair, but most of this tour includes spaces that are not currently wheelchair accessible.

Tickets are limited! Reserve yours here

About Telling Stories: Guided Tours:
Telling Stories: Guided Tours at NRF goes deeper into the legacy of Doris Duke through the exploration of her life—including how her work preserving, restoring, and sharing Newport’s cultural heritage impacts us today. Each tour takes a closer look at the people behind the places and collections we care for.

1776| 2026: Inside the Exhibition

1776| 2026: Inside the Exhibition

Go behind-the-scenes of 1776 | 2026: The Newport Restoration Foundation Reflects on the American Revolution. Inspired by Doris Duke’s remarkable legacy, the Newport Restoration Foundation today preserves objects, sites, and stories with connections to the American Revolution. This tour will share more about the stories behind the art, craft, and design on display—including works of furniture, architectural drawings, and fashion.

Know before you go: This tour is wheelchair accessible.

An America250 program.

Tickets are limited! Reserve yours here

About Telling Stories: Guided Tours:
Telling Stories: Guided Tours at NRF goes deeper into the legacy of Doris Duke through the exploration of her life—including how her work preserving, restoring, and sharing Newport’s cultural heritage impacts us today. Each tour takes a closer look at the people behind the places and collections we care for.

Garden Tour of Rough Point: Caring for Doris Duke’s Legacy Garden

Garden Tour of Rough Point: Caring for Doris Duke’s Legacy Garden

Doris Duke’s legacy gardens reflect her interest in sustainable horticulture and environmental conservation. Join us on this interactive guided tour of the Formal Garden and the Kitchen Garden with the NRF Gardener, a unique working educational garden that provides produce for our community partners. Learn about the history of the gardens, how NRF cares for the gardens today, and get insights into your own gardening practices.

Know before you go: This tour will take place outdoors (rain or shine) and requires walking on uneven ground. Unfortunately, the grounds are not currently wheelchair accessible.

Tickets are limited! Reserve yours here

About Telling Stories: Guided Tours:

Telling Stories: Guided Tours at NRF goes deeper into the legacy of Doris Duke through the exploration of her life—including how her work preserving, restoring, and sharing Newport’s cultural heritage impacts us today. Each tour takes a closer look at the people behind the places and collections we care for.