May 31-October 6
Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
From its founding as a settlement for religious outcasts through the rise and fall of the colonial trade economy and up to its present as a premiere tourist destination, Newport’s varied history can be traced through the items of silver prized by its residents. We welcome you to explore this exhibit to learn more about silver as a reflection of Newport’s past.
This exhibit is free and open to the public.
July 4, 9am-11am
On Tuesday July 4th the Colony House will once again be open to the public, continuing a yearslong tradition. The Colony House will be open at 9 am for visitors to explore the first floor. A slate of free events are also scheduled to take place in Washington Square. At 11am, the Declaration of Independence will be read by the Sons of the Revolution from the steps of the Colony House, at which point public admission to the interior of the Colony House will end. Following the reading, the Artillery Company of Newport will fire a 21 Gun Salute in Washington Square.
July 14-July 15
In July 1780, thousands of French troops landed in Newport beginning an occupation that lasted for nearly a year. The presence of this new ally represented a turning point in the American Revolution and the start of the Franco-American Alliance. While French troops played a vital role in American victory at Yorktown in 1781, Newport citizens were far from welcoming upon their arrival. On Friday July 14, 2023 and Saturday July 15, 2023, the Newport Historical Society will showcase aspects of this pivotal point in American history during the French in Newport living history weekend, a free two-day event about life in the summer of 1780.
Click here to learn more!
Take a tour through five centuries of Newport’s endlessly interesting history! Walking tours include:
Golden to Gilded: From Newport’s colonial Golden Age to Gilded Age summer colony, discover the transformation of the city and its people.
Discover Colonial Newport: Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period.
Rogues & Scoundrels: See where scoundrels lived, pirates profited and criminals were punished. Find out why this colony was known as “Rogue’s Island.”
For the full summer tour schedule and to book online, click here!
Gala Preview Party – Friday July 28, 6pm to 9pm
July 29, 10am to 5pm
July 30, 10am to 5pm
The Newport Show is a high point of the summer social season and a not-to-be-missed opportunity for fine art and fashion aficionados. As the main fundraiser for its two beneficiaries, the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, the Show has raised a cumulative total of over 3 million dollars supporting the city’s distinguished past and its historic future.
To learn more, or to purchase tickets, click here!
St. George’s School Ice Rink – 375 Purgatory Road, Middletown, RI
Thursday-Sunday, 3pm-3:45pm
May-August
Built in 1739, this historic site was a center for Rhode Island’s colonial government. Explore its significant history, including the surrounding square, and view a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington.
Book your tickets online here!
August 10 and August 24, 2pm-3:30pm
$15-$20 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and up
In August 1765, a group of Newporters organized a riot that turned leading citizens against each other and set Rhode Island on a path to rebellion against Great Britain. This tour explores what happened on those fateful summer days and offers a glimpse into life in colonial Newport on the eve of revolution.
This family-friendly walking tour concludes at the Museum of Newport History where participants can “Quill” their name to paper pledging their allegiance to Liberty or remaining Loyal to the Crown.
Click here to book online!