There are three fun events this week for everyone who loves art and history and a good story.

The National Museum of American Illustration will open its new exhibit, Norman Rockwell & His Contemporaries: Fabulous Forties to Sensational Sixties, today (May 23rd). The museum, located at 492 Bellevue Avenue, is open Thursdays-Sundays: 11 am – 5 pm. Guided Tours: Friday, 3 pm.

Later today, Dr, Kimberly Alexander will give a lecture titled, Shoes and Their Secret Stories. This should be fun!  Her presentation is based on of her recently published book, Treasures Afoot: Shoe Stories from the Georgian Era. Event takes place from 6-7 pm at Newport Historical Society Resource Center (82 Touro Street, Newport).

On Saturday, Newport hosts the Newport Architectural Symposium, beginning at 8:30 am. This one-day symposium will include lectures by scholars, lunch and visits to some of these important buildings which play such a central place in the evolution of architecture in America from Colonial Era to the present day.  Registration is open now.

Additional details and contact information for each of these events are provided in the listings that follow.

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SPECIAL NOTES

▪ NEWPORT HISTORY: Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education is offering an extremely unique 4-session history program called, MAPPING NEWPORT: A CITY’S HISTORY VIA ITS BUILDINGS AND STREETSCAPES. Led by architectural historian John Tschirch, you will learn how to “read a city” through a study of period maps and photographs, and to identify Newport’s major economic, political and cultural influences. This program covers four Sundays, June 23-July 14, 9am-noon. Fee: $275. Info: 401/454-6200. Register at: ce.risd.edu

▪ FILM FUN: Our favorite BBC series, Downton Abbey, returns with a feature film in September 2019. Here is a link to a preview of the trailer for the feature film:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu3mP0c51hE&feature=youtu.be

TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK – LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH

The season is rapidly changing. The heat and the sun and the promise of summer are upon us. People, too.

With the sudden arrival of so many guests and visitors and bus tours and escorted tourists, one never knows who or what to emphasize or focus on. The best rule to follow is to focus on the needs of your current guests. Focus on the needs of each guest, especially the one who is right in front of you.

Give them all your attention and treat them as if they are the only visitors at your site, or aboard your tour bus, trolley, or harbor cruise vessel. Avoid all other distractions. Focus and pay attention and listen to the guest right in front of you. After that, everything else will fall in place. As Stephen Stills once so famously said, “Love the one you’re with.”

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NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

NEWPORT’S ENDURING LEGACY IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION

It’s almost a pioneer job, and, if success is to be attained,

it will be because we had courage, vision and

are aware of this country’s place in history.

We have a chance to do something new in the world.

-Katherine Warren (1897-1976)

Founder and President, Preservation Society of Newport County

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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF

This week there are jobs and volunteer opportunities for tour guides, harbor cruise and sailing guides and crew members, and support staff at the mansions and a variety of museums and historic sites. Check out the web sites of the largest organizations – many are listed below – also check out the smaller tour companies and historic sites that might possibly need someone just like you.

Scan the openings and current job listings on the websites of the city’s biggest employers of tour guides and greeters.

  • Cruise Ship Tour Guide for Rose Island Lighthouse. Tour guide needed to greet guests at Perrotti Park in Newport and board the OldPort Marine charter vessel to travel to Rose Island. Guides spend 4 hours traveling to the island and giving multiple tours to groups of 15. Season is primarily from late August through the end of October. Info: 401/847-4242; roseisland.org
  • Tour Guide & Pedicab Driver. Known as “The coolest job in the world.” This is a unique way to give tours and run your own business plus get lots of exercise. Make $500-$1,000 per week. Rent a Pedicab and give your guests a custom tour of the City-by-the-Sea. Info: www.newportpedicab.com/drivers
  • Preservation Society of Newport County. This is Newport’s largest owner and operator of historic properties offering audio and guided tours.  A variety of guide, greeter, security, and housekeeping positions are available. They recruit year-round.  Check their web site on a regular basis for the latest job openings. www.newportmansions.org.
  • Harbor Tour Guides/Deck Hands. Work aboard one of several tour and harbor shuttle vessels. Oldport Marine Services, 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport. Apply online at oldportmarine.com.
  • Sightsailing of Newport accepts applications for its jobs year-round. Check their web site for guidance on applying for sailing jobs, front desk staff, and office positions at Sightsailing.com/employment.
  • Newport Historical Society. This organization offers the largest variety and greatest number of walking tours in the city.  Tours offered year-round. Info: newporthistory.org
  • Newport Restoration Society. This non-profit operates Rough Point mansion (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Seasonal. Info: newportrestoration.org

VOLUNTEER TOUR GUIDE OPPORTUNITIES

  • Newport Secret Garden Tour Volunteers Needed. Event takes place in the city’s Point Section on June 14-16, 10 am-5 pm. Most shifts are 3-4 hours. Sit in the shade in a beautiful garden, smile at all our tour guests, and meet nice people. Plus a few little rewards for your time and effort from us and from our sponsors. Volunteers receive a free ticket to the Secret Garden Tour, good all weekend. Info and to sign up: 401/439-7253; Or email to: volunteers @secretgardentours.org. Please note your preferred day and times you are available.
  • Newport Car Museum’s family of volunteer docents share their passion for and knowledge of cars with interesting visitors from around the world. If interested, call Vincent Moretti at 401-848-CARS (2277)

For continuous and updated job listings, please go to www.whatsupnewp.com.

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CRUISE SHIPS BEGIN ARRIVING

The cruise ship season has begun! More than 80 ships will arrive in Newport during the coming Spring, Summer and Fall seasons.  You can keep abreast of the upcoming arrivals of these sea-going ships and the thousands of visitors they bring to our fair city each week in this column.

Here is a list of the first arrivals scheduled for 2019, courtesy of our friends at Discover Newport.

  • Friday, May 24 — Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Thursday, June 6 – Celebrity Summit from Celebrity Cruise Lines
  • Friday, June 7 — Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Friday, June 14 — Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines

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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS

NOW THROUGH JUNE 2 — HORSELESS TO HORSEPOWER: GILDED AND GOLDEN AGE AUTOMOBILES

This exhibit opened February 9th featuring some of the most extravagant and beautiful vehicles ever produced. Come and see for yourself the amazing elegance and styling of these classic automobiles. Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm. 222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Info: 401/856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org

NOW THROUGH JULY 21, 2019 — GERTRUDE VANDERBILT WHITNEY: SCULPTURE – NEWPORT ART MUSEUM

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, daughter of Alice & Cornelius Vanderbilt II, is best known as an art patron and founder of New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art.  She also had a significant career as a sculptor, exhibiting throughout the United States and Europe and receiving major commissions and prizes. This exhibit showcases rarely seen works from private collections, examining the remarkable variety of the artist’s work—from her earliest classical sculptures to her more symbolic public monuments, from her bleakly Realist depiction of the tragedy of World War I to her late Art Deco work.  This is the first exhibition of Whitney’s art since her death in 1942. More info: 401/848-8200; newportartmuseum.org

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 – “MY SMALL ABILITY” – THE LIFE AND WORK OF WILLIAM CLAGGETT

This exhibit at the Newport Historical Society Resource Center (82 Touro Street, Newport) features the story of 18th century master clockmaker, William Claggett. The exhibit tells us more than just the life of this craftsman by bringing alive other aspects of Newport including trade, artistry, aesthetics, science, religion, and culture through an examination of the life of Mr. Claggett. Additional Info and hours at 401/846-0813; newporthistory.org

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 3rd – JOHN JAMES AUDUBON: OBSESSION UNTAMED – ROSECLIFF

The newest exhibit at Rosecliff (1902) is titled, John James Audubon: Obsession Untamed. In 1820 Audubon embarked on what would become his life’s work as “portraitist of all the birds of America.”  The assembled collection showcases the naturalist’s relentless pursuit of the birds of America and his singular determination in seeing his beautiful artworks published. The exhibition draws upon the collections of the Preservation Society of Newport County as well as significant loans from private collections and institutions. Highlights include over 20 beautifully framed hand colored double elephant folio-sized aquatints from Birds of America, exquisite ladies’ hats and fans illustrating the early-20th-century craze for feathers that lead to initial conservation efforts, as well as Audubon’s life mask and snuff box. Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), daily, 9am – 5pm. Exhibit included in Rosecliff ticket. Info: newportmansions.org

WEDNESDAYS THRU SATURDAYS – MAY–NOVEMBER- – NEWPORT FOODIES STROLL – 11:30 AM

Newport Foodies Stroll offers a 1.5-mile walking food tour through Lower Thames Street. You will learn about the “City by the Sea”, as well as try the cuisine from five of the best locally owned restaurants. This progressive stroll will last 2.5 – 3 hours. Tours run Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 11:30 A.M. Meet Tom and Sue, your tour guides, in front of the Armory (365 Thames Street, Newport). Reservations highly recommended as these tours fill up quickly. Book your tickets ($63) and get more information at: 401/619-3019; newportfoodiesstroll.com

MAY 2019 TOURS, SPEAKERS, & SPECIAL EVENTS

Check out the wide selection of lectures, exhibits, talks, classes, tours, and workshops to add to your knowledge and increase your understanding of the people and history of greater Newport.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019 – NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION — NORMAN ROCKWELL EXHIBIT

A new exhibit, Norman Rockwell & His Contemporaries: Fabulous Forties to Sensational Sixties, opens on May 23rd, and will explore this exciting time in American history through the images of the Nation’s most beloved illustrators, reflecting and molding the society evolving around them. Open Thursdays-Sundays: 11 am – 5 pm. Guided Tours: Friday, 3 pm.  The National Museum of American Illustration, Vernon Court (492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Info:401/851-8949; art@americanillustration.org

THURSDAY, MAY 23 – SHOES AND THEIR SECRET STORIES: A LECTURE WITH DR. KIMBERLY ALEXANDER – 6 PM

Shoes reveal important aspects of burgeoning 18th century American identity — self-fashioning, consumption, politics, and agency. Join Dr. Kimberly Alexander for a discussion of her recently published Treasures Afoot: Shoe Stories from the Georgian Era. This program takes place from 6-7 pm at the Newport Historical Society Resource Center (82 Touro Street, Newport). General admission: $5 per person; $1 for Newport Historical Society members along with active duty military. Space is limited. Please call Heather Rockwood at 401-846-0813 x110 to reserve your seat.

THURSDAY, MAY 23 – NEWPORT RUN & CHUG – 6:30 PM

This is a running group that does a 5K run every week (3.1 miles). Run is led by firefighter Eddie Valen. Meet at the Fastnet Pub (1 Broadway, Newport) at 6:30 pm. Run is followed by a meet-up (and Chug) at the Fastnet Pub. Info: 401/845-9311.

FRIDAY, MAY 24 – ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM

Every tour guide should experience one or more of the great walking tours organized by the Newport Historical Society. This tour about some of the city’s more colorful residents – pirates, criminals, and more — leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

SATURDAY, MAY 25 – NEWPORT ARCHITECTURAL SYMPOSIUM – 8:30 AM

This year’s symposium focuses on the topic, “The Architecture and History of Newport’s Point Neighborhood.” This one-day symposium will include lectures by scholars, lunch and visits to some of these important buildings which play such a central place in the evolution of architecture in America from Colonial Era to the present day. Lecture Schedule: 08:30 am: Collect in Chapel of Harbor House (111 Washington Street); 09:00 am: The Architecture and History of Newport’s Easton Point (Ross Cann); 10:00 am: Hunter House and the Formation of the PSNC (Trudy Coxe); 11:00 am: The Point Association, Operation Clapboard and the NRF (Lisa Stuart); 12:00 pm: Boxed Lunch in Battery Park (if weather permits); 4:00-6:00pm: Closing Cocktail Reception: Villa Marina (Villa Marina). Cost for the breakfast, three lectures, lunch, afternoon tours, and wine and cheese reception is $65 (or $50 for Architectural Forum members). Info: www.ArchForum.org; email to ArchForum@A4arch.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 25 – DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM

This is one of several wonderful walking tours offered throughout the year by the Newport Historical Society. This tour features stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. Tickets $15; Children $5. 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

SATURDAY, MAY 25TH & SUNDAY MAY 26TH – BELCOURT RESTORATION TOUR – BELCOURT OF NEWPORT

Belcourt is amazing!  Carolyn Rafaelian, owner of Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), is in the process of restoring this 1894 Gilded Age mansion to its original glory. Several one-hour Belcourt Restoration Tours will be offered this weekend. This home is truly something special. If you love behind-the-scenes tours, now is the time to check out the restoration-in-progress of this fabled mansion, before the permanent changes and upgrades are completed. Reservations are encouraged. Tours both days at: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. Tickets: Adults: $17.50; Children: $8.00.  Info & Online Ticket Purchase: belcourt.com

SUNDAY, MAY 26 – GOLDEN TO GILDED WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM

This tour ties together the city’s many exciting periods of its history. On this tour you’ll get the inside skinny on the transformation of Newport and its people from its colonial Golden Age to Gilded Age summer colony.  This tour leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

MONDAY, MAY 27 – ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM

One of several excellent walking tours of Newport offered by the Newport Historical Society. Riots and rebellions, enemies and allies! Learn about Newport’s role in the American Revolution. This tour leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019 – WHITEHORNE HOUSE MUSEUM RE-OPENS FOR SEASON

Newport Restoration Foundation’s (NRF) Whitehorne House Museum re-opens for the season. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to displaying and exploring the artistry, history, and culture of 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts. The museum has been closed for regular visits since October 2016 to allow NRF staff to plan for a reinterpretation of the collection and an improved visitor experience. The museum will remain open this season until October 27.  The museum (416 Thames Street, Newport) is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Tickets: Adults: $15; Students: $5; 12 & under: Free. Information: newportrestoration.org

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND — BOOTS ON THE GROUND FOR HEROES MEMORIAL – FORT ADAMS STATE PARK

In 2016, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) launched the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial with the widely acclaimed and dramatic display of nearly 7,000 military boots. Each boot is adorned with a name placard and an American flag representing each American service member killed in action in the Global War on Terror. The first of its kind, the display has taken place at Roger Williams State Park over the last three years.  This display will take place at Fort Adams State Park during the Memorial Day Weekend – May 24-27. Info: 401/383-4730; osdri.org

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – JAMESTOWN NEWPORT FERRY SEASON BEGINS – MAY 24-27

The 2019 season for the Jamestown Newport Ferry begins Memorial Day Weekend. Stops include Rose Island, Fort Adams, Ann Street Pier, and Perrotti Park. Ferry leaves from the docks at the end of Narragansett Avenue in the village of Jamestown. Info & Tickets: 401/423-1556; jamestownnewportferry.com

MEMORIAL DAY – PROVIDENCE-NEWPORT FERRY BEGINS SERVICE

Round-trip Tickets: Adults: $22; Children: $11. Ferry service runs through Columbus Day, October 14th. Trip takes 60minutes. Leaves from India Street Ferry Terminal in Providence. Arrives at Perrotti Park in Newport (39 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport). Info: 401/222-2450.

UPCOMING 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO SEASON OPENS

The Newport International Polo Series 28 begins on Saturday, June 1, 2019, 5:00 pm, at the Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI.  Box Office opens to the general public on March 15. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 – BANKNEWPORT 10-MILER – FORT ADAMS — 7:30 AM

The seventh annual BankNewport 10 Miler is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on June 2, 2019. The course prominently features Newport’s scenic coastal views and ends with a truly unique finish as participants enter Fort Adams through the north gate and finish on the parade field. The BankNewport 10 Miler features two non-profit beneficiaries: The Fort Adams Trust, spotlighting their important mission to protect and promote the historic places and public spaces at the gateway to Narragansett Bay and Newport. This includes directing and supporting the stabilization, restoration, maintenance and operation of Fort Adams as a public historic site. Additionally, the race benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County. Race begins and ends at Fort Adams. Info and Race Registration: newport10miler.com/info/

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2019 – OPENING NIGHT – NEWPORT GULLS BASEBALL – 6:35 PM

The Newport Gulls will welcome the Mystic Schooners to kick off the 2019 collegiate baseball season at Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport) on June 5th. Info & Tickets: 401/845-6832; https://bit.ly/2RxDm0D

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – MARBLE HOUSE – 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Register your car and come join a hundred other amazing vehicles on display at Marble House (596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) from 7:30 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 – SWISS VILLAGE FARM FOUNDATION ANNUAL VISITORS DAY – 9 AM – 3 PM

Swiss Village Farm (SVF) Foundation’s annual visitor’s day will allow members of the public to learn more about the Smithsonian & SVF Biodiversity Preservation Project. SVF is a nonprofit farm working towards the collection and preservation of genetics from rare breeds of livestock. Visitors can peek into their facilities and meet the laboratory, veterinary and animal husbandry staff. Attend live cryogenics and sheep shearing demonstrations. Enjoy Julian’s Omnibus food truck serving local heritage breed burgers and munchies! This event is free to the public. Parking will be available at Fort Adams State Park and free trolley transportation will be provided from 9am to 3pm. No parking available at SVF. Info: 401/848-7229; email for info@svffoundation.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 – NEW YORK YACHT CLUB’S 2019 SEASON BEGINS – LEUKEMIA CUP

The New York Yacht Club has announced its 12-event 2019 sailing season that begins on June 8 with the Leukemia Cup race, followed by the club’s 165th Annual Regatta (June 14-16), and ending on September 29 with the Melges IC37 national championship races (September 27-29). Info:  401/846-1000; nyyc.org

JUNE 15, 16, 17, 2019 – NEWPORT COUNTY DAYS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS & HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEE DAYS

This weekend is the second of four annual weekends called Newport County Residents Days at the Newport Mansions. Any Newport County resident will receive free daytime admission to all Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC) properties currently open (The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff) as guests of the PSNC.  Proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) must be presented. This weekend will also feature Hospitality Employee Days with other Newport cultural attractions participating.  Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

JUNE 21-23, 2019 – THE NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW – AUDUBON ARTISTIC ADVENTURES – ROSECLIFF MANSION

The 2019 Newport Flower Show will feature design and horticulture exhibit, a Home & Garden Marketplace, Oceanside Boutiques, outdoor garden displays, lectures, and demonstrations by the top experts in the field. The Opening Night Party will take place from 6-9 pm on June 21.  Info: newportmansions.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – FORT ADAMS – 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Register your car and come join a hundred other amazing vehicles on display at Fort Adams (Fort Adams State Park, Newport) from 7:30 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 – MAPPING NEWPORT: A CITY’S HISTORY VIA ITS BUILDINGS AND STREETSCAPES – 9AM-NOON

Walk the streets of one of the most historically intact communities in North America with architectural historian John Tschirch. This four-session program, offered by Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Continuing Education, will show how to “read a city” through a study of period maps and photographs, and to identify Newport’s major economic, political and cultural influences. This program covers four Sundays, June 23-July 14, 9am-noon. Fee: $275. Info: 401/454-6200. Register at: ce.risd.edu

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 – 50TH ANNIVERSARY (1969-2019) NEWPORT PELL BRIDGE CELEBRATION – FORT ADAMS

Save the date for the official “Happy Birthday” celebration marking the Newport Pell Bridge’s 50th milestone: June 28, 6pm to 10pm at historic Fort Adams. Enjoy a free concert by the aptly named Take it to the Bridge band plus food trucks, a cash bar and fireworks at 9:15pm. Info: discovernewport.org

JULY 8-13, 2019 – INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE CLASS 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP — NEWPORT, RI

The International 12 Metre Class’ 2019 World Championship will be held in Newport, Rhode Island (USA) from July 8- 13, hosted by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club and the 12 Metre Yacht Club. It will be the largest-ever gathering of 12 Metre yachts in the United States featuring more than two-dozen boats from seven countries. International teams comprised of elite sailors including America’s Cup veterans and Olympic medalists will represent Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway and the United States. The 2019 12 Metre World Championship fleet will span the years 1928 -1987, include seven America’s Cup defenders and challengers, and be sailed on Rhode Island Sound, the site of nine America’s Cup competitions from 1958-1983. Info: http://www.12mrclass.com

JULY 26-29, 2019 – NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS – NEWPORT, RI

This famous festival, launched in 1959, will celebrate in a 4-day music extravaganza July 26-29 at Fort Adams, overlooking the mouth of Newport Harbor.  Tickets and more information at newportfolk.org.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT – INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME

A special concert will be presented at the Newport Casino at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) on Friday night, August 2nd. Tickets go on sale March 27th. Ticket prices: $50-$110. Tickets and more information at: newportjazz.org.

AUGUST 2-4, 2019 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS – NEWPORT, RI

Since 1954, the greatest jazz musicians on the planet have played before the most loyal and appreciative jazz aficionados and fans in the world at the largest coastal fort in America, Fort Adams. They’ll do it again this August 2-4, beginning with a concert at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Friday, August 2.  Don’t miss any of the music, the fun, and the food! Tickets and more information at: newportjazz.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2019 – REGATTA OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY – 6:00 – 8:00 PM

The sailing social event of the season! Fans of the IYRS Newport Classic Yacht Regatta will celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic regatta in Restoration Hall (449 Thames Street, Newport) on the Newport waterfront at IYRS School of Technology & Trades. The evening features live music by Newport favorites Honky Tonk Knights and hors d’oeuvres by Russell Morin Catering and Events. Tickets: $20. Cash bar. For info and to purchase tickets, go to:  newportclassicyachtregatta.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 – IYRS NEWPORT CLASSIC YACHT PARADE – 10:30 AM

This parade wraps up the weekend of the 40th Annual Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by IYRS (NCYR) which will take place over Labor Day weekend, Friday – Sunday, August 31 – Sep 1. The Organizing Authority for the NCYR is the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.  Info: events@iyrs.edu

SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2O19 – NEWPORT SECRET GARDEN TOURS

The annual Newport Secret Garden Tours opens its gates to a plethora of stunning gardens in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Join the Benefactors of the Arts on September 6-8 for this self-guided tour featuring at least 10 incredible gardens. These private gardens are shared with the community to help raise funds for the Arts Education programs in the Island’s public schools. The tour runs daily, 10 am until 5 pm, and tickets are good for any or all days of the tour, allowing for inclement weather, schedule conflicts, or just a late start. Info and tickets: secretgardentours.org

SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2019 – 49TH ANNUAL NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Mark your calendar for the 49th annual Newport International Boat Show on the famed downtown Newport waterfront from September 12th to 15th this year. More Information: http://newportboatshow.com/

SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2019 — THE NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

This is one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated and anticipated events of the year. It is scheduled for September 19-22 at The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House. Enjoy magnificent wines from around the world, fabulous food from local, regional and national chefs, artisanal food purveyors, cooking demos and interactive activities in an unforgettable setting. To learn more about the schedule of events, or to purchase tickets, visit newportmansions.org

OCTOBER 3-6, 2019 – AUDRAIN’S NEWPORT CONCOURS & MOTOR WEEK – INAUGURAL EVENT

The Audrain Automobile Museum presents the inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week coming to Newport, Rhode Island on October 3 -6, 2019. Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week 2019 will be the first of an annual event which aims to enliven the story of the automobile and its racing history in the northeast region of our country. With all this history, and help from their Event Chair, world renowned collecting, restoration, and culture expert, Jay Leno and their Concours Chair, Donald Osborne, noted classic car historian, consultant, writer and television personality, the Audrain Automobile Museum adds another chapter to Newport’s extensive book of automotive and sporting fascination. With the support and assistance from the Preservation Society of Newport County, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Salve Regina University, along with car enthusiasts, luxury car brands, venue partners, and supporters in Newport, Audrain plans to execute one of the highest quality events that the community has ever seen and raise money to increase the local economy. Info: 401/856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org

OCTOBER 3-7, 2019 – ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL – VARIOUS LOCATIONS – NEWPORT, RI

For auditions, show information, and tickets, contact: rogueislandcomedyfestival.com

OCTOBER 13-15, 2019 – VISITOR EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE (VEX) – PHILADELPHIA, PA

This is an annual industry conference that should be of special interest to tour guides, greeters, tour operators, chambers of commerce, and all those whose goal is to create a memorable experience for their guests and visitors. The 2019 Visitor Experience Conference is a recognized platform for experts to share best practices in the Visitor Experience sector and provide specialized knowledge to take museum organizations to the next level. VEX offers a range of professional learning opportunities. From keynote and panel sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, half-day workshops, and lots of social events to meet and talk with colleagues. The conference takes place in the history-rich city of Philadelphia.

Attendees include museum professionals at all levels of their career, mainly in the Visitor Experience and Visitor Services field, but also consultants, exhibition developers/designers, volunteer managers, ticketing and database companies, and more.  Past VEX attendees have included The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Johns Hopkins University, Arizona State University Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian, Longwood Gardens, National Trust (England), Columbus Museum of Art, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Tacoma Art Museum, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and more from around the world. Info & Registration: https://visitorexperience.group/conference

NOW IS STILL A GREAT TIME TO EXPERIENCE THESE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!

BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – UPDATED MAY SCHEDULE

The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is still offered daily.  Tours are now offered at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org

SERVANT LIFE TOUR AT THE ELMS: FOUR TOURS DAILY!

Considered by many to be the best tour in Newport, the world-famous 1-hour guided “Servant Life Tour” at The Elms is back and better than ever.  Tours are now offered at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Info and updates: newportmansions.org

HANDBOOK FOR ALL TOUR GUIDES & GREETERS

If you’re new to Newport and/or new to this field, get your copy of THE OFFICIAL 2018 NEWPORT GUIDES & GREETERS HANDBOOK [Direct from the author or via Amazon.com] to help you become a master hospitality ambassador for our city.  It also lists many of the best tour companies and hospitality organizations hiring seasonal and year-round people here.  Consider working in ticket sales or other support positions at one or more of these tour companies. It will give you some visitor services experience and make you aware of tour guide and greeter jobs as they become available during the season.  Handbook includes greetings in 18 of the most frequently spoken languages heard in Newport.

————————————————————————————————————————-KENNETH PROUDFOOT, a Newport Tour Escort and Guide, is the author of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook (Shoreline Press (RI), 2017).