Newport Historical Society

09/02/2026

Did you know that German troops were stationed in and around Newport during the British Occupation of the city?

German-speaking soldiers, commonly referred to as "Hessian" soldiers, made up nearly a third of the British Army in Newport.

Six regiments from Hesse-Cassel and Ansbach were quartered near the Great Friends Meeting House, which served as a regimental hospital. In Middletown, the German troops set up a headquarters at a Paradise Avenue house, later called the "Hessian House". The home was raised in 1898, but images of it exist in the NHS collections.

Although they spoke an unfamiliar language, German soldiers actively participated in the occupied town’s social life, rubbing shoulders with Newporters of all classes.

Learn more about the presence of Hessian soldiers during the British Occupation of Newport in our current exhibition "OCCUPIED! Newport and the Fight for Independence". This exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm at the NHS headquarters located at 82 Touro Street, Newport.

A photograph of a house that was used by the Hessians as a headquarters during the American Revolution, Middletown. Undated, P8755. Collections of the Newport Historical Society

09/01/2026

There is no better place to celebrate than at the Colony House 🍾

The Colony House is one of Newport's most unique venues! Located in the heart of the oldest part of the city, this building features a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences.

Enjoy an intimate ceremony in the second floor Chamber of Deputies or celebrate your next big accomplishment with all of your friends and family in the First Floor Great Hall, no matter what the event is, the Colony House is the perfect choice.

For more information and to rent the Colony House for your event reach out to us by email at [email protected] or online at https://newporthistory.org/events/rent-a-venue/

08/31/2026

If you haven't already heard, the Newport Historical Society recently announced the launch of the Brick Market Campaign 🎉

This new campaign will transform the 1762 Brick Market building and its 1993 Museum of Newport History into a premier small museum in New England!

The NHS imagines a Museum of Newport History that engages visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including family-friendly elements, rotating collections displays, and interactive touchscreen content that is regularly updated with new research. This space isn't a one-and-done; it is thoughtfully designed to prioritize new and fresh content, driving repeat visitation for locals and tourists alike.

To make this vision a reality, we are looking for the help of our friends, visitors, and followers! A contribution to the Brick Market Campaign makes you a part of the next chapter in the historic building's life and paves the way for the future of the Museum of Newport History.

To make a contribution to the Brick Market Campaign or to learn more visit https://newporthistory.org/brick-market-campaign/

Image 1: A photograph of the Brick Market and surrounding buildings on Thames Street and Long Wharf. Undated, P168. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.
Image 2: Rendering of the first floor of the New Museum of Newport History.
Image 3: Image of the Brick Market by Matthew Lanni.

08/28/2026

On this day in Rhode Island History 📜

On 28 August 1778 General Sullivan ordered the American forces on Aquidneck Island to retreat to the north and hold positions at Butts Hill, with flanks on the east road and west road. The initial military attack on British soldiers, who then occupied Aquidneck Island, is known as the Battle of Rhode Island. The battle was a joint French and American attack on occupying British troops following the signing of a Franco-American alliance in February of 1778.

The official retreat document, seen here, signed by Adjutant General William Peck, forwards orders to Colonel John Laurens who followed the west road and engaged the British at Butt’s Hill the following day. Col. John Laurens (1754-1782) was a member of Washington’s staff and served at Brandywine, Monmouth, Germantown, Valley Forge and Yorktown.

View this retreat order in person in our current exhibition "OCCUPIED! Newport and the Fight for Independence" at the NHS headquarters, open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.

A retreat order written for the Continental Army during the Battle of Rhode Island, August 28, 1778. Created by Adjutant General William Peck, FIC.2013.34. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.

08/27/2026

📅Upcoming Program: "The Intoxicating History of the American Revolution" with historian Brooke Barbier

Eighteenth-century Americans consumed a staggering amount of alcohol compared to us today. Drink influenced their politics, built and sustained their relationships, and drove the economy. Booze was not a small part of colonial society, nor covertly consumed in private spaces—it was integral to American life. When the colonists rebelled against the British Empire, this culture of drink and taverns helped foster revolution.

Join historian Brooke Barbier for a lively talk about the influence of tavern and drinking culture on the American Revolution. You’ll hear about the way alcohol influenced colonial resistance, soldiers on both sides of the war, and the creation of a new nation. You’ll see famous founders and lesser-known Patriots drink their way from British subjects into Americans.

For more information and to purchase tickets for this program visit, NewportHistory.org/calendar-of-events/

📅Thursday, September 3rd, 2026
📍The Colony House | Washington Square, Newport
🎟️Admission $15 – $20 per person | *Student Discounts now available $10 with valid student ID
🕰️6pm to 7pm; doors open at 5pm for a complimentary reception

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day from the Newport Historical Society 🐾

We are celebrating with some of our favorite fury friends from our collections 🎉

Image 1: A photograph of a young boy from the Dolan family seated on the grounds of Seaweed with a small dog. Townend Studios, circa 1925. Gift of Martin Murphy. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.
Image 2: A photograph depicting a dog seated on a wooden pedestal, circa 1900. P8303, Collections of the Newport Historical Society.
Image 3: A matted photograph of Constant W. Chase and wife Susan Slocum with his daughter Emma and their dog Beu at the Metcalf-Bowler-Chase House. P9267. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.
Image 4: Undated tintype photograph of an unidentified female member of the King family with a whippet dog. Circa 1870, FIC.2022.126. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.

08/25/2026

The Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History has been receiving amazing feedback from the media lately - but we want to hear from you!

Comment on this post with feedback from your visit to the Center!

How was your experience? What is something new that you learned? What was your take away from the exhibit spaces? The Newport Historical Society looks forward to hearing the great things you have to say about Newport's first Center for Black History!

Haven't visited the center yet? - No Problem!

The Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History, located at 17 Broadway, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Tickets to explore the Center are available in-person or online at NewportBlackHistory.org

Photo credit 📸 Jennifer Manville Photography

08/21/2026

Join us Mondays at 2pm for the "Unbound: Freedom-Making in Newport, RI" walking tour 👟

Black history and culture are integral to Newport's story. Discover the history of Newport’s people of color, enslaved and free, and explore the places where enslaved people lived and labored, along with landmarks where free African Americans built their enterprises and supported a new local industry.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the "Unbound" walking tour visit NewportHistory.org/tours/

08/20/2026

Did you know that famed assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, has not one, but two connections to Rhode Island?

In the late 1800s, the Indian Avenue section of Middletown was marketed to wealthy New York and Philadelphia families by the Sturtevant family for summer cottage sites. One investor was the actor Edwin Booth (1833-1893), who was introduced to the area by the Bispham family of Philadelphia, who were partners in the development.

Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, purchased lots in 1879, and in 1883 he commenced building "Boothden," his summer cottage.

The second connection came in April of 1865 when John Wilkes Booth was a guest at the Aquidneck House Hotel here in Newport shortly before the assassination of Lincoln in Washington, D.C. The Hotel was located on the west side of Corne Street, between Mill and Pelham Streets. The site is now occupied by modern, colonial-style condominium townhouses.

The Historical Society holds several items associated with President Abraham Lincoln and John and Edwin Booth.

Text from "History Bytes" 2014, page 46-49. By NHS Staff.

Image 1: A carte de visite depicting Edwin Booth, before 1893. P2248. Gift of the estate of Miss Mary Palmer. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.
Image 2: Silver wire and wood tassel from the drapery of the catafalque upon which the remains of President Lincoln were carried from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois, April 1865. 97.1.10 B. Gift of Col. William Gilpin. Collections of the Newport Historical Society.

08/19/2026