Preservation Society of Newport County

Preservation Society of Newport County. The organization was founded in 1945 by a group of individuals, including Trudy Coxe and John G. S. Hammond, who were dedicated to preserving the historic architecture and landscapes of Newport, Rhode Island. The society's efforts have been instrumental in protecting the city's rich cultural heritage, which includes iconic landmarks such as The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. The society has worked closely with other organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Newport Historic District Commission, to promote historic preservation and conservation in Newport County.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to the mid-20th century, when a group of concerned citizens, including Doris Duke and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, came together to address the threat of demolition and neglect facing many of Newport, Rhode Island's historic properties. The society's early efforts focused on saving iconic landmarks such as The Breakers, which was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II and features an impressive collection of art and antiques, including works by Raphael and Rembrandt. The society also worked to preserve the historic landscapes of Newport County, including the scenic Ocean Drive and the picturesque Cliff Walk. Over the years, the society has collaborated with other organizations, including the Newport Art Museum and the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, to promote the city's rich cultural heritage.

● Mission and Activities

The mission of the organization is to protect and preserve the historic architecture, landscapes, and cultural heritage of Newport County. The society's activities include historic preservation, conservation, and education, as well as advocacy and community outreach. The society works closely with other organizations, including the National Park Service and the Rhode Island Historical Society, to promote historic preservation and conservation in Newport County. The society also offers a range of educational programs and activities, including guided tours of historic properties, such as The Elms and Marble House, and lectures on topics such as American art and architecture. The society has also partnered with other organizations, including the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, to promote the city's vibrant cultural scene.

● Historic Properties

The organization is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of several historic properties in Newport County, including The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. These properties are open to the public and offer a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite who summered in Newport, Rhode Island during the Gilded Age. The society also preserves and maintains several historic landscapes, including the scenic Ocean Drive and the picturesque Cliff Walk. The society has worked to restore and preserve the historic interiors of these properties, which feature an impressive collection of art and antiques, including works by Monet and Van Gogh. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to promote the study and appreciation of American art and architecture.

● Education and Community Outreach

The organization offers a range of educational programs and activities, including guided tours of historic properties, such as The Breakers and The Elms, and lectures on topics such as American history and architecture. The society also offers programs for children, including summer camps and educational workshops, which are designed to promote an appreciation for historic preservation and conservation. The society has partnered with other organizations, including the Newport Public Schools and the University of Rhode Island, to promote historic preservation and conservation in Newport County. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, to promote the study and appreciation of American culture and history.

● Conservation Efforts

The organization is committed to preserving and conserving the historic properties and landscapes of Newport County. The society's conservation efforts include the restoration of historic buildings, such as The Breakers and The Elms, and the preservation of historic landscapes, such as the scenic Ocean Drive and the picturesque Cliff Walk. The society has worked to develop and implement sustainable conservation practices, which balance the need to preserve historic properties with the need to protect the environment. The society has collaborated with other organizations, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service, to promote sustainable conservation practices in Newport County. The society has also partnered with other organizations, including the World Monuments Fund and the International Council on Monuments and Sites, to promote historic preservation and conservation globally.

● Governance and Funding

The organization is governed by a board of trustees, which includes individuals with expertise in historic preservation, conservation, and education. The society is funded through a combination of private donations, grants, and revenue from its historic properties, including The Breakers and The Elms. The society has received funding from a range of organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Rhode Island Foundation. The society has also partnered with other organizations, including the Newport County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Newport, to promote historic preservation and conservation in Newport County. The society's funding model is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of its historic properties and programs, while also promoting the study and appreciation of American history and culture. Category:Historic preservation organizations