The Newport Historical Society is pleased to partner with the Audrain Automobile Museum to offer a joint exhibit focusing on the evolution of fashion from the height of the Gilded Age to the beginning of the modern era. The exhibit will be featured at the Newport Historical Society at 82 Touro Street, and the Audrain Museum at 222 Bellevue Avenue beginning May 29th.

This multi-site exhibit examines a previously unknown collection of clothing and accessories belonging to three Vanderbilt women of New York and Newport: Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt and her daughters Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and Gladys Moore Vanderbilt Széchényi.

As the state of Rhode Island reopens this summer, there are a number of ways you can continue to engage with us in a ‘COVID-safe’ way. From outdoor walking tours to remote research services, Newport’s endlessly interesting history has never been more accessible. To learn more, click the link below.

As the Newport Historical Society begins to reopen following the guidelines set by RI state agencies, we remain committed to the mission of education, information dissemination, and use of the collections for research and enjoyment. Going forward, we will continue to offer new content on Newport’s rich history both through our traditional avenues and the new digital offerings we have developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click the links below to learn more about how to access our collections and resources remotely, or to explore our digital tools for teachers and educators.

‘History at Home’ Page

‘Know Your History’ Page

Remote Research & Digital Collections

Resources for Teachers and Education Content Providers

This tour was made possible through the efforts of Peter Hanney of Hanney Property Solutions, who contributed Matterport digitization of the Museum of Newport History,
and Jessika Davis, who arranged digital exhibit text. 

The Museum of Newport History is free to the public year-round, which is made possible through the generous donations of our patrons and visitors. While the Museum is currently closed, we are striving to make Newport’s endlessly interesting history accessible from the comfort of your home. Please enjoy a virtual tour of the Museum: donations may be made online by clicking the link below.