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 Foundations 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 making a contribution to our Annual Fund today.
The only museum in the world specializing in 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts, NRF’s Whitehorne House Museum has been open to the public since 1974.
The museum is currently closed while we plan for a renovation of the building, a new presentation of the collection, and a much improved visitor experience. Watch this space for updates and announcements of opportunities to visit while the revitalization work progresses. And, of course, we are always open online and invite you to explore the museum by using the links above.
Explore the museum for the first time or come back check out the changes we're making. The museum’s charming pocket garden will also be open for wandering.
One of the highlights of Whitehorne House Museum is its beautiful garden. This inviting space is filled with antique roses, blueberry bushes and fruit trees, and a dazzling array of perennials and annuals. The design is an interpretation of a Federal period garden for an affluent, urban family. Despite its refined geometry, it does not feel overly formal. From the precious balloon flower to the flamboyant castor plant, this is a garden full of delights.
Open Hours Even though the museum is currently closed, the garden is open during daytime hours for the enjoyment of visitors.
For the 2018 season, Whitehorne House Museum is open to the public for occasional open house events (see above), private group tours, and individual appointments.
Group Tours For groups larger than 10 visitors, please visit our Group Tours page.
416 Thames Street Newport, RI 401–846–4152 ext. 123 visit@newportrestoration.org
Limited metered parking available.
Painted and embroidered mourning picture on silk
Porringer by John Otis
Portrait of Rebecca Taylor Orne by Joseph Badger
19th-century watercolor showing John Goddard’s house and workshop
Tea table
Caleb Wheaton tall case clock
Painting on silk of two women in black outside a church with embroidered details.
Watercolor painting depicting John Goddard's house in the Easton's Point neighborhood of Newport, RI. The composition includes two houses and dock scene with beach. Written in pencil script, bottom right corner: Old Newport houses, 1865. In bottom left corner, in pencil: S.C.
This tall clock case is the work of eminent Providence clock manufacturer Caleb Wheaton. Tall clock cases like this example were prized possessions of mid-eighteenth century American families. The bonnet of the case has a molded curved cresting that supports three fluted urn and flame finials. The bonnet is supported by two full and two half fluted pillars and the white painted dial is decorated with urn and scroll spandrels. The dial also includes the hour and second hands as well as a date register and the maker's name "Caleb Wheaton Providence". The door block and carved at top with a projecting carved shell, the plain base supported on ogee bracket feet.
