French in Newport 2025

Saturday, July 12th, 2025

11am to 4pm | Rain or Shine

Washington Square | Newport, RI

Free Family Fun Event | Donations Accepted

The Newport Historical Society’s annual French in Newport event–a day of living history featuring reenactments, performances, and free family fun–will return to Washington Square on Saturday, July 12th.

From 11:00am-4:00pm, visitors can explore the role of French soldiers and sailors who fought for America’s independence and enjoy hands-on learning opportunities tied to this important period in Newport’s history. Demonstrations of historic trades such as silhouette art, baking, and cider pressing will run all day in Eisenhower Park, with a full schedule of programs running concurrently just across the square in the Colony House. From interviews with historical figures like Lafayette to an 18^th century medicine presentation and a book signing with author Molly Beer & her new publication, Angelica: For Love & Country in a Time of Revolution (hosted in partnership with Charter Books), there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s event is particularly relevant, as the NHS prepares to commemorate the nation’s upcoming 250^th anniversary. Semiquincentennial programming is already underway, and French in Newport will be a centerpiece of the anniversary in 2025 and 2026.

French in Newport Activity Schedule:

Times subject to change.

Kids & Family Activities:

• Traveling Trunk with 18th century clothing
• Historic toys & games
• National Park Service Activity – Become a Junior Ranger
• National Park Service Activity – First 150 kids will get the chance to create a mini boat and join Admiral De Ternay’s fleet
• French in 18th Century Walking tour at 2pm – Leaves from the Museum of Newport History & Shop

Colony House Activities:

• 11am to 11:45am – 18th century medicine demonstration
• 1pm to 2pm – Program: “Angelica: For Love and County in a Time of Revolution” with author Molly Beer, in partnership with Charter Books. RSVP Here.
• 2:30pm to 3:30pm – an interview with the Marquis de Lafayette & the Comte de Rochambeau
• 3:30pm – Final performance of the Middlesex County Fife & Drums from the front steps of the Colony House

Eisenhower Park:

• 11:30 am to 3pm – Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums performances every half hour
• 11:30am to 12pm, 1:30pm to 2pm – 18th century fashion & textiles presentation
• 12pm to 1pm – Indigenous Music & story telling

All Day Stations

• • Bread Baking demonstrations
  • Apple Cider Press demonstrations
  • Silhouette Portrait Making
  • French Military demonstrations
  • National Park Service – B.A.R.K. Rangers (pet friendly)
  • Iced Tea Tastings
  • Daughters of the Revolution

Roaming Demonstrations

• • Marquis de Lafayette
  • Comte de Rochambeau
  • DuPonts Officer
  • Army Surgeon
  • Ballad Seller
  • 18thc Art & Fashion