Newport Historical Society

Newport Historical Society. The Newport Historical Society is a prominent historical organization located in Newport, Rhode Island, founded in 1854 by notable figures such as Julia Ward Howe, William Ellery Channing, and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. The society is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of Newport County, with a focus on the city's significant role in American colonial history, the American Revolution, and the Gilded Age. The society's efforts are supported by partnerships with institutions like the Newport County Historical Society, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, and the Newport Art Museum.

● History

The Newport Historical Society has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the mid-19th century when it was founded by Julia Ward Howe, William Ellery Channing, and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. During the American Civil War, the society played a significant role in preserving historical documents and artifacts related to the conflict, including those related to the Battle of Gettysburg and the Emancipation Proclamation. The society has also been involved in various preservation efforts, including the restoration of historic properties like the Old Stone Mill and the Newport Mansions, which are now managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The society's historical collections have been influenced by the work of notable historians like David McCullough, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Nathaniel Philbrick, who have written extensively on topics like the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Industrial Revolution.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Newport Historical Society's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Newport, Rhode Island, and to promote a greater understanding of the city's significant role in American history. The society's objectives include providing educational programs and exhibits, preserving historic properties, and supporting research and scholarship on topics related to Newport County and the surrounding region. The society's efforts are guided by its partnerships with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives and Records Administration, which provide access to a wide range of historical resources and expertise. The society's mission is also informed by the work of notable organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Historic Preservation Society, and the American Historical Association.

● Collections_and_Exhibits

The Newport Historical Society's collections include a wide range of historical artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to the history of Newport, Rhode Island. The society's collections feature items like John F. Kennedy's PT-109 uniform, Doris Duke's Duke Farms estate, and artifacts from the Newport Jazz Festival, which was founded by George Wein. The society's exhibits have explored topics like the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Gilded Age, and have featured loans from institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Museum of American History. The society's collections and exhibits are also informed by the work of notable curators and historians like Harold Holzer, Eric Foner, and Annette Gordon-Reed, who have written extensively on topics like the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era.

● Historic_Properties

The Newport Historical Society is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of several historic properties in Newport, Rhode Island, including the Old Stone Mill, the Newport Artillery Company, and the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. The society has also been involved in the restoration of historic properties like the Breakers, the Elms, and the Marble House, which are now managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The society's historic properties are significant not only for their architectural and historical importance but also for their connections to notable figures like Vanderbilt family, Astor family, and Morgan family, who played important roles in shaping the history of Newport, Rhode Island. The society's preservation efforts are guided by its partnerships with institutions like the National Park Service, the Historic Preservation Society, and the American Institute for Conservation.

● Education_and_Programs

The Newport Historical Society offers a wide range of educational programs and activities for adults and children, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops. The society's programs explore topics like American history, art history, and architectural history, and are designed to promote a greater understanding of the history and culture of Newport, Rhode Island. The society has also partnered with institutions like the Newport Public Schools, the Salve Regina University, and the University of Rhode Island to develop educational programs and resources for students and teachers. The society's programs are informed by the work of notable educators and historians like Howard Zinn, James Loewen, and Lisa Delpit, who have written extensively on topics like multicultural education and social justice.

● Governance_and_Membership

The Newport Historical Society is governed by a board of trustees, which includes notable figures like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and Lincoln Chafee. The society's membership includes individuals and organizations from across the United States and around the world, who are united by a shared interest in the history and culture of Newport, Rhode Island. The society's members have access to a wide range of benefits, including free admission to exhibits, discounts on programs and events, and opportunities to participate in preservation efforts and research projects. The society's governance and membership are guided by its partnerships with institutions like the American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, and the National Council on Public History, which provide access to a wide range of historical resources and expertise. Category:Historical societies