Newport Tour Guides & Greeters News #86: Newport Tour Museum wowing the public, PSNC hits 50,000 members

A VISIT THE NEWPORT TOWER MUSEUM: In a city boasting spectacular Gilded Age mansions and large historical museums, the Newport Tower Museum (152 Mill Street, Newport) is one of the most interesting. Museum founder and prolific author, Jim Egan, greets guests and shares his unique journey researching and finally discovering who [and why] the Newport Tower, located in Touro Park, was built. The museum includes all Egan’s research, materials, and background that led to the discovery and documentation of the history of this one-of-a-kind historical structure. You will hear a history lesson you have never heard before. The fully interactive museum will demonstrate several principles that will astound and delight. The Newport Tower Museum is a must-see for all tour guides, greeters, and all those who love learning about our history. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Museum founder Egan has written numerous books about his research on the Newport Tower. Copies of his many books are available at the museum. His most comprehensive book,

ELIZABETHAN AMERICA: The John Dee Tower of 1583 (2011), is a tome every history-loving Newport resident and tour guide should read and own. Make plans now to visit this museum! Open weekends 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and by appointment. Info: 401/447-6757; newporttowermuseum.com

THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY yesterday announced that they had reached 50,000 members for the Society. This is a huge milestone for the organization that was founded by Katherine Warren in 1945. Congratulations to everyone at the PSNC that has helped encourage so many people to make a commitment to become members of this organization.

PROMOTE BEAUTIFUL NEWPORT! Be sure to share your love of our great city and engage your guests and visitors, pointing out the many other places and historic sites they can visit, and the wonderful activities taking place in Newport this week. For some updated ideas to share, see our listings that follow here below.

Enjoy your week!

TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK: SAY HELLO AND SMILE

Great hospitality begins with a sincere hello and a smile.

Practice smiling in your bathroom mirror.

Make it sparkle.

Make it shine.

Your smile can have power.

Your smile most definitely HAS power.

Your smile can validate the most unappreciated person and the quintessential “shy visitor.”

Use your smile to empower and inspire your visitors — Just as we love to see a smile

on the face of the person next to us, across from us, and coming toward us.

Make a special effort to make your smile make magic and inspire a great experience for every guest in front of you.

REMEMBER: A smile is a non-verbal expression of welcome, joy, and love.

Your smile is the best welcome any guest can receive.

So, say hello and smile.

Everything else you deliver will be a bonus.

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NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Preserving Our Legacy

My efforts in preserving these magnificent homes and buildings

are guided by the belief that preservation and restoration are a

critical part of the legacy we leave to future generations.

-Dorrie Cruz

Artist & Philanthropist

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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF

Ch-ch-changes.

As we head unavoidably toward the end of August, the local job market is thrown a few curves. College students are already leaving for their fall term. High school students and summer interns are transitioning back to their hometowns and preparing for September enrollment. Result: Staffing shortages and new opportunities for all you who have extra days available and those who are about to enter retirement and are looking for a post-career job.

If there is a place you want to work, actively pursue possible job openings now. A wide variety of jobs and volunteer opportunities for tour guides, harbor cruise and sailing guides, sailing crew members, and support staff at the mansions and a variety of museums and historic sites have new openings.

Always review the web sites of the city’s largest organizations – many are listed below – also check out the smaller tour companies and historic sites that might possibly need someone just like you. Look for increasing job turnover in the market over the next 30 days.

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

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.
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
Island Helpers Needed. Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation is looking for Island Helpers for the 2019 summer season. Rose Island staff get to ride the Jamestown Ferry from Jamestown or Newport to work their 7-hour shift on our beautiful island. Our staff do a variety of jobs, including greeting daily visitors, educational tours, carpentry projects, housecleaning tasks, and landscape maintenance. Part-time. $11-$13.00/hour. Info:
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.

VOLUNTEER TOUR GUIDE OPPORTUNITIES

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 SHIP ARRIVALS

The cruise ship season is in full swing! More than 80 ships will arrive in Newport during this Summer and Fall. 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 are some of the upcoming arrivals scheduled for 2019, courtesy of our friends at Discover Newport.

Thursday, August 22 – American Star – American Cruise Lines
Friday, August 23 – American Constitution – American Cruise Lines
Thursday, August 29 — American Star – American Cruise Lines
Sunday, September 1 – Norwegian Dawn — Norwegian Cruise Lines
Monday, September 2 – Insignia — Oceania Cruise Line
Monday, September 2 — American Constitution – American Cruise Lines
Wednesday, September 4 – Navigator — Regent Cruise Line
Thursday, September 5 – Caribbean Princess — Princess Cruise Lines
Thursday, September 5 — American Star – American Cruise Lines
Thursday, September 12 — American Star – American Cruise Lines
Thursday, September 12 — American Constitution – American Cruise Lines
Friday, September 13 – Star Pride – Windstar Cruise

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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS

NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY – BREAKERS STABLE & CARRIAGE HOUSE – OPEN DAILY 10 AM – 5 PM

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House (53 Coggeshall Avenue, Newport) is now open for the season! This 15,000 square foot carriage house and stable complex was designed by Richard Morris Hunt and was an important part of the life of the Vanderbilt family and their staff beginning in 1895. The structure is located ½ mile from the Breakers. The Stable features a display of 18 carriages and two coaches, clothing and harnesses from that time period, an extensive exhibition on the New York Central Railroad, 26 tie stalls, and two box stalls. Outside flower gardens and the original greenhouses from the Breakers property are located behind the Stable. The Breakers Stable & Carriage House admission is included with any ticket to the Newport Mansions®. Hours are 10 am until 5 pm daily. Info: newportmansions.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 18^th 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 SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 – SPECTACULAR SILVER: YACHTING’S GOELET CUPS – REDWOOD LIBRARY

This exhibition presents a multimedia sweep of one of the great chapters in sailing competition and trophy craftsmanship: the Goelet Cups and the sailboat races held in Newport from 1882 to 1897 for which they were the prize. The races were among the first American sporting contests to attract national media attention and the elaborate silver trophies, made by leading firms such as Tiffany & Co. and Whiting Manufacturing Co., are considered a high point in nineteenth-century American silver. Spectacular Silver features a range of historic materials: from yacht models and marine paintings to press clippings and scrap books, culminating in a select presentation of Goelet Cups from major private and institutional collections. In the Van Alen Gallery. Info: 401/847-0292; redwoodlibrary.org

NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 – DOWNTON ABBEY: THE EXHIBITION – BOSTON, MA

This BBC television series helped boost interest in the Newport mansions and launched a revival of sorts for the Gilded Age. Here is a new exhibit that brings the British series to Boston, all in anticipation of the upcoming feature-length Downton Abbey film scheduled for a September 2019 release. While waiting for the film, you may visit the Crawley family and enter the world of Downton Abbey at Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. Based on the beloved television show, this exhibition transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fascinating social history, culture, and some of the most memorable moments and sets from the show’s six-season run like Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen, the servant’s quarters, and the dining room. This exhibition is located at The Castle at Park Plaza, 130 Columbus Avenue, Boston. Tickets: $33-$35. Info & Ticket Purchase: 866/811-4111; DowntonExhibition.com

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 3^rd – 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

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 17 – HAUNTED BRISTOL WALKING TOURS – NIGHTLY – 8:30 PM

Haunted Bristol walking tours start at 8:30 every night in front of the State and Courthouse, 240 High Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. This is a lantern-led 1-hour tour about the History, Native Indian Fables, Court Trials and Haunted Tales. Led by local historian Joan Quinn. $15/per person. Reservations required: 401/286-1209.

WEDNESDAYS THRU SATURDAYS – NOW THROUGH 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

NOW THROUGH CHRISTMAS – NEWPORT TOWER MUSEUM – WEEKENDS – 11 AM – 1 PM

The huge “Old Stone Mill” in Touro Park has fascinated people for hundreds of years. This is the oldest structure in Newport. Yet, the mysteries of who built it, why it was built, when it was built, and what it was used, have puzzled scientists, academicians, locals, and tourists for as long as can be remembered here. Now, the mystery has been solved. The answers to all the questions people have been asking about this monument on the green of Touro Park can be found at the Newport Tower Museum (152 Mill Street, Newport). Museum founder and prolific author, Jim Egan, greets guests and shares his unique journey researching and finally discovering who [and why] the Newport Tower, located in Touro Park, was built. A visit to the tower is followed by a tour of his museum. The museum includes all Egan’s research, materials, and background that led to the discovery and documentation of the history of this one-of-a-kind historical structure. You will get a history lesson you have never heard before. The museum displays and images demonstrate several ideas and principles that will astound and delight. The Newport Tower Museum is a must-see for all tour guides, greeters, and all those who love learning about our history. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Museum founder Egan has written numerous books about his research on the Newport Tower. Copies of his many books are available at the museum. His most comprehensive book, ELIZABETHAN AMERICA: The John Dee Tower of 1583 (2011), is a tome every history-loving Newport resident and tour guide should read and own. Make plans now to visit this museum! Open weekends 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and by appointment. Info: 401/447-6757; newporttowermuseum.com

AUGUST 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, AUGUST 22 – DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM

This walking 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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 – BELCOURT RESTORATION TOUR – BELCOURT OF NEWPORT

Visit amazing Belcourt! Carolyn Rafaelian, owner of Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), is well into 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 each day 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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 – 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, AUGUST 23 – 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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 – NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION GUIDED TOUR – 3:00 PM

A beautiful tour of the National Museum of American Illustration (492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) is offered year-round every Friday to guests at 3 pm. The National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) is situated in Vernon Court, a Gilded Age mansion (1898). Vernon Court is on the National Register of Historic Places with interiors inspired by the palace at Versailles. The NMAI focuses on original illustration artworks created to be reproduced in books, periodicals, advertising and in other print media. Featured artists include Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle, JC Leyendecker, Jessie Willcox Smith, NC Wyeth and 150 others. Free parking for museum visitors is available in the lot located on Victoria Avenue. Tour is included with admission. Info & Tickets: 401/851-8949; americanillustration.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 – EVENING OF THE ARBORETA – NEWPORT TREE CONSERVANCY — 6:00 – 8:00 PM

An evening reception celebrating Aquidneck Island’s Accredited Arboreta. At Clover Patch (31 Bowery Street, Newport). Tickets & Information: newporttreeconservancy.org; 401/324-9204.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 – COMMON BURYING GROUND GUIDED TOUR – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Guided tours of the Common Burying Ground in Newport take place at 10 am on Saturdays every week in July and August. The tour starts at the entrance on Warner Street (at Burnside Avenue). The focus of the tour are the stones carved in the 1700s, many from the Stevens shop. A highlight of the visit is “God’s Little Acre,” the largest collection of gravestones for people of African heritage in Colonial New England. Free. Info: 401/619-3859.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 – 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, AUGUST 24 – MIANTONOMI TOWER VISIT – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – FREE ADMISSION

The best view from the highest point on Aquidneck Island is Miantonomi Tower in Miantonomi Park (120 Hillside Avenue, Newport). The tower sits in Miantonomi Park, which is conserved by Aquidneck Land Trust and is the largest park in Newport. The park features nature trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The tower, completed in 1929, was designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. All are welcome.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 – LIFE DURING BURNING OF THE HMS LIBERTY – NOON – 5:00 PM – WASHINGTON SQUARE

Newport’s Old Quarter comes to life on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from noon-5pm, during the Newport Historical Society’s 6th annual summer living history program. The summer of 2019 marks the 250th anniversary of the burning of HMS Liberty, John Hancock’s sloop that was seized by the Royal Navy in 1768. Life During the Burning of HMS Liberty will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2019, from noon-5pm in Washington Square, and at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House 17 Broadway, Newport, RI. Free, donations welcome. Info: newporthistory.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 – NEWPORT VS NEW YORK – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM

The Newport International Polo Series 28 continues Saturday, August 24, 2019, 5:00 pm, with NEWPORT vs NEW YORK at Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 – WALKING TOUR OF GOD’S LITTLE ACRE BURYING GROUND – 10:30 AM

Tour the nation’s oldest and largest cemetery for enslaved and free Africans. Offered by the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. This historic site is recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Tour offered at 10:30 am. Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for students; free under 13. Info: 401/588-5177; https://riblackheritagesociety.wildapricot.org/

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 – 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, AUGUST 26 – 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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 — RETURN TO CAMELOT – ST. MARY’S CHURCH – 2:00 PM

The now famous Return To Camelot presentation returns to St. Mary’s Church (Corner of Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard, Newport). This program is a re-telling of the storied marriage and reception of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier on September 12, 1953. It includes exclusive newsreel footage of the young couple, the crowd of well-wishers outside the church, behind-the-scenes stories of Yusha Auchincloss, Jackie’s beloved stepbrother, and additional details of the church’s role in the wedding. The Return to Camelot presentation will continue every Tuesday afternoon through October 23^rd. Info: 401/847-0475; stmarynewport.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 – MCGRATH’S CLAMBAKES & CATERING 50^TH ANNIVERSARY PUBLIC CLAMBAKE

This venerable company is celebrating its 50^th anniversary on Thursday, August 29^thwith a huge public clambake at The Eisenhower House from 6 to 9 pm. The evening will include a reception hour overlooking Narragansett Bay with Rhode Island clear broth chowder and “stuffies.” The evening’s menu includes a summer salad of baby spinach, Roma tomatoes, fresh avocado and roasted red peppers with a strawberry scallion vinaigrette, Spinney Creek Maine soft shelled steamed clams, Prince Edward Island mussels, drawn butter, local sweet corn on the cob, red bliss potato, chourico, barbecued chicken, 1 ¼ lb. Rhode Island lobster and watermelon. Ragged Island Brewery will provide beer and DJ Bells will be spinning tunes. Tickets are $50 per person, available on McGrath’s Facebook page. Deadline for ticket purchase is August 27^th. Info & Tickets: facebook.com/events/350240139215766/

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 – USA VS ENGLAND – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM

The Newport International Polo Series 28 continues Saturday, August 31, 2019, 5:00 pm, with USA vs ENGLAND at Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com

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

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UPCOMING FALL 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS

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

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

Register your car and come join a hundred other amazing vehicles on display at Marble House (596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) from 8:00 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 – SOUTHERN LIGHTHOUSE TOUR OF 11 LIGHTHOUSES – ALOFSIN PIER, FORT ADAMS – 10AM

Save The Bay offers several lighthouse cruises on Narragansett Bay this season. With stunning views of the Newport Pell Bridge, Prudence Island and historic Fort Adams, this tour also offers views of 11 active and inactive lighthouses, and a lunch stop on Rose Island, where passengers will tour the grounds and lighthouse tower. Save The Bay’s Lighthouse Tours are part of the United States Lighthouse Society’s passport program, and ticket sales support Save The Bay’s education efforts, as well as the restoration of the Pomham Rocks and Rose Island lighthouses. Save The Bay members can purchase Southern Bay Lighthouse Tour tickets for $65 and non-members can purchase tickets for $70. For more information about Save The Bay’s Lighthouse Tours, or to purchase tickets, visit www.savebay.org/lighthouse.

SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2019 – 49^TH 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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – EXCLUSIVE SHOWING: DOWNTON ABBEY – JANE PICKENS

The feature film, Downton Abbey, will be shown at the Jane Pickens Theater September 20-26. This is the continuing saga of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them in the English countryside in the early 20th century. Exclusive showing in Newport at Jane Pickens Theater (49 Touro Street, Newport). Info & Tickets: 401/846-5474; janepickens.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 – WALKING TOUR OF THE MONTH – LEGENDS & LORE – 11:00 AM

Did the British Army steal the town records when they withdrew from Newport during the American Revolution; is there a tunnel on Touro Street; did an artist on Mill Street discover the tomato? Join Newport Historical Society guides on a walking tour that teases out the truth from the fiction in these stories and other infamous and beloved Newport tales. This tour leaves at 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: 401/846-0813; newporthistorytours.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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 – BROADWAY STREET FAIR – 12 NOON – 6:00 PM

The annual Broadway Street Fair is scheduled from noon till 6 pm. The Street Fair begins at Equality Park and extends down into Washington Square. The day will be filled with music, food, family activities, exhibiting artists & makers and local non-profits. Last year more than 15,000 people took a stroll along Broadway, Newport’s historic Main Street and major artery into the city. This is a rain or shine event! Info: broadwaystreetfair.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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 — 2019 CITIZENS BANK PELL BRIDGE RUN – 7:15 AM

The 4-mile run/walk on October 20th, 2019 takes pedestrians from Jamestown to Newport, Rhode Island over the iconic Newport Pell Bridge. This year’s Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run is a proud part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations for the bridge. Starting at 5:30 a.m. on October 20, runners and walkers will be shuttled from the Newport Visitors Center to the race start line in Jamestown. Participants will be assigned to specific shuttle times. The race itself will begin at 7:15 a.m., with participants broken into waves based on pace. Runners and walkers will follow a course on and over the bridge, taking in the sunrise and the stunning fall vistas that the run/walk is known for. They’ll finally descend from the bridge on to Farewell Street, finishing back at the Visitors Center on America’s Cup Avenue. Registration for runners and walkers (Registration fee: $52) is open at www.pellbridgerun.com.

EXPANDED NUMBER OF TOURS: EXPERIENCE THESE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!

BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – UPDATED SUMMER SCHEDULE

The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is still offered daily. Tours are now offered at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org

SERVANT LIFE TOUR AT THE ELMS: SEVEN 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, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Info and updates: newportmansions.org

PRINT & DIGITAL RESOURCES

PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR 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.

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