Save the date! On Thursday September 29, 2022 at 5:30pm the Newport Historical Society will host Mike Franco for the Zoom talk “Newport and Its Cottages Then and Now”. This virtual event will survey 45 Newport homes featured by architect George Champlin Mason (1820-1894) in his book Newport and its Cottages.

The book “Newport and Its Cottages” is a wonderful time capsule of Newport architecture circa 1875 – just as the Gilded Age was taking off. In Mason’s preface, he stated that “his aim has been to bring together, in a pleasing and attractive form, illustrations of the beautiful country-seats that adorn the southern shores of Rhode Island, now so justly celebrated as a watering-place.” This evening presentation will provide a “then and now” look at each of the 45 properties. Twenty six of the homes still stand, although some are in radically different form. Nineteen have been lost to fire or intentional demolition, and most are largely forgotten.

Mike Franco is a trial lawyer with a practice in Massachusetts. He lives in a historic home in Newport and has a lifelong interest in Newport history and architecture. He moderates the popular Facebook group “Newport, Lost & Found” which explores Newport’s Gilded Age architecture.

“Newport and Its Cottages Then and Now” is a free Zoom event, but advance registration is required. Please click here to register.