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.
Newport Restoration Foundation is excited to be able bring both virtual and in-person programs and events back to our museums this month! Rough Point Museum, Whitehorne House Museum, and Prescott Farm will offer a variety of free and ticketed programs for all ages and interests. Please mark your calendars for upcoming special events including:
Virtual Jazz in the House Youtube June 2 / 7:00 PM / Free
You’re invited virtually to Rough Point for a special jazz concert! In Doris Duke’s lifetime, music often filled the halls of her Newport home, and NRF is excited to bring jazz music back into the house for this filmed performance featuring Leon Lee Dorsey, Greg Skaff, and Mike Clark playing interpretations of tunes by jazz titan Thelonious Monk.
Summer Stories Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport) Fridays: June 4, 11, 18, 25 / 10:00 – 11:00 AM Free admission
Listen to storybook readings in the garden and put together a themed craft to take home. Recommended for kids aged Pre-K to 1st grade.
Picnic Performances at Rough Point: Poetry Reading by Tina Cane Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) June 4 / 6:00 – 7:30 PM $15 – Advance registration recommended
Join us for our monthly outdoor art performance series on the grounds of Rough Point. In June, Rhode Island’s Poet Laureate, Tina Cane, brings her poetry to Rough Point for a reading from her recently published works. Visitors can lounge on the grass amongst the blooms in the Formal Garden, or bring blankets, chairs, or pillows to relax. Grounds open at 6:00pm, performance begins at 6:30pm.
Second Sundays Prescott Farm (2009 West Main Road, Middletown) June 13 / 12:00 – 3:00 PM Free admission
Each month, NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm. In June, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island will share what they know about the beautiful birds that live all around us through hands-on activities and crafts; all questions and bird stories welcome!
Woodcarving Demonstration Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport) June 19 / 2:00 – 3:00 PM $30 – Advance registration recommended
Steve Brown, experienced woodworker and professor at the North Bennet Street School, leads a woodworking demonstration in the garden.
Roam Around Rough Point Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) June 26 / 5:00 – 7:00 PM $20 / Students with ID: $12 / Newport County Residents FREE
On the last Saturday of every month, explore the house and gardens after hours. Newport County residents receive FREE admission! For more info visit newportrestoration.org/events.
Historical Makerspace Workshop Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport) June 27 / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM $20 – Advance registration recommended
Discover how 18th-century students learned geography through needlework, then make your own embroidered map of Newport. Kids 10 – 100 welcome!
For more information on events and to purchase tickets, visit www.newportrestoration.org/events.