FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2025
CONTACT
Lauren Craig
Newport Historical Society Celebrates
Record-High Program Participation at Annual Meeting
NEWPORT, RI — The Newport Historical Society hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting last night, providing an update to members and reviewing a series of exciting successes, including national awards and record-high program participation.
In 2025 so far, the NHS has hosted 24 programs, conducted 207 tours, and facilitated more than 350 research engagements, representing more than 24,000 people to date.
“The reach of the Newport Historical Society is impressive. From neighbors exploring genealogy or home histories, to tourists fascinated by local landmarks, to teachers engaging students through the history in our backyards, we continue to reach into the community and make history more accessible to all,” said Executive Director Rebecca Bertrand. “Across our programs and properties, the NHS is stronger, more vibrant, and more active than ever before and we look forward to building on that momentum as we look ahead to an exciting 2026.”
Along with ongoing Tavern Talks and two exhibitions – Raise the Alarm: Newport’s Fire Department through the Decades and Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On? – the annual Newport Show and French in Newport were among the key drivers of engagement in 2025. At 2,250 guests, this year’s French in Newport drew the largest single-day attendance in organizational history, and the event promises to be bigger than ever next year, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Other upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations were briefly previewed at the meeting, with Newport 250 flags available for historic homeowners to purchase. Anyone interested in learning more or getting on the email list for updates as flags become available can contact Membership@NewportHistory.org.
Bertrand called NHS donors and members the backbone of the organization’s success – including 112 new members and 192 first-time donors this year. The NHS hopes to continue to grow that base, reaching new audiences in part thanks to national recognition, including a Leadership in History Award from the Association of State and Local History and the prestigious Excellence in Education Award from the National Park Service.
“The Newport Historical Society is an organization transformed,” said Board Chair Doug Newhouse. “Our organization keeps the flame of Newport’s past burning. We chronicle and preserve, advocate for and share widely the city’s vast, rich history, and we are successful because we are fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of our members, our staff, and our donors.”
In addition to program and preservation updates from Bertrand and Dr. Akeia de Barros Gomes, director of the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History that will open in June 2026, the NHS Board of Directors voted to officially welcome Helen Burnham, Leslie B. Hull, and Sandra Peterson to the Board at the meeting. They also renewed their slate of officers: Douglas Newhouse as President, Dwight Sipprelle as Vice President, Nancy Brickley as Treasurer, and Anne F. Hamilton as Secretary. Longtime and continued supporter of the NHS, Pam Kelley, will cycle off the Board.
For more information on the Newport Historical Society and upcoming events and programs, visit www.NewportHistory.org.