As the seasons change, Newport welcomes visitors and residents alike with a wonderful 10-day Newport County-wide dining event – Newport Restaurant Week!  Restaurants will be offering prix fixe lunches for $20 and prix fixe dinners for $35 or $50.  As tour guides and greeters, we can recommend a wide variety of eating establishments to our guests. You will want to do a little research of all the places you can send our guests for a wonderful meal. Check out more detailed information and a full list of participating restaurants at: discovernewportrestaurantweek.org 

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REMIND YOUR GUESTS ABOUT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

▪ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – FOOD IN THE AMERICAN GILDED AGE – ROSECLIFF – 6:00 PM

▪ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 –CENTENNIAL ANNUAL MEETING – SEAMEN’S CHURCH INSTITUTE – 6:00 PM

▪ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2020 – CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS

▪ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 — THE NEWPORT NUTCRACKER AT ROSECLIFF

▪ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – BOWEN’S WHARF BLOCK PARTY – 4-8 PM

▪ DECEMBER 1-31—CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT – LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT NEWPORT

Tickets, fees, and addresses are detailed in the following listings for the above events.

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RELATED FILM NEWS & NOTES

▪ The new film, Downton Abbey, is approaching ticket sales of $100 million, now at $92,256,175 as of this past Sunday, October 27th. The 2019 film had its Newport premiere on September 19th at the Jane Pickens. 

▪ NELSON RIDDLE (1921-1985), musician, composer, orchestrator, and conductor, won his first and only Academy Award for the Best Original Song Score for The Great Gatsby (1974). The picture, filmed at Rosecliff, Marble House, and other Newport locations between June and September 1973, also garnered an Oscar for Theoni V. Aldredge for Best Costume Design.  The Oscars were presented at the April 1975 Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, CA. Riddle was perhaps more famous for his memorable collaborations and orchestra arrangements for singers Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt, and others.  He also composed the popular theme song for the 1960 TV show, Route 66.

▪ HISTORY OF FILM IN NEWPORT: The film registry site IMDb (IMDb.com) identifies 129 movies filmed in and around Newport, Rhode Island, beginning with the 1900 short documentary, Gun Drill by Naval Cadets at Newport Training School, through the upcoming feature Hand Made, currently filming.  Release date to be announced.

OPERATING SCHEDULES UPDATE

▪ Rosecliff will be closed November 4 – December 7. 

▪ Chateau sur Mer will close for the season on Sunday, November 3rd. 

▪ EARLIER CLOSING TIME: All Preservation Society of Newport County Houses will close at 5 pm beginning on November 3. Last admission will be at 4 pm. This schedule will be in effect through March 27, 2020. 

TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK ▪▪▪ BE OF GOOD CHEER! 

This week marks the end of summer and autumn and the start of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. It is traditionally known as the “season of good cheer.” 

More than any time of the year, this is the season to begin each workday with a positive attitude and to strive to make each of our visitors and guests feel warmly welcomed. 

In addition to your natural passion for people, your smile and friendliness are the most important assets you can bring to your guide and greeting work. 

You can make a positive difference in the lives of each of your guests and visitors. 

So, share your passion and be of good cheer!

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Good Preservation

Good preservation is a life preserver thrown to us in a shipwreck. 

Good preservation keeps us in touch with the graces of this life. 

It’s bricks and mortar, yes. 

It’s arguments about true colors and authenticity and representation. 

But true preservation is like the hand that shelters a fire from the wind. 

It protects the spark of life.


-Howard Mansfield

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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF

The busy summer and cruise ship seasons are nearly at an end.  But the autumn Thanksgiving and winter Christmas seasons are coming.  There are still more than a half million visitors or more to meet and greet and lead on tours before the end of the year. 

There will still be some hiring this fall.  If you are ready and able, you will find a position. Getting started in this wonderful and growing industry at this time of the year is joyous.  Everyone is happy, full of life, and inspired by the change of weather, the prospect of family visits and sumptuous meals, and hope for a brighter future. 

If you are persistent, you can still find several jobs and volunteer opportunities for tour guides, sailing crew members, and support staff at the mansions; several of our museums and historic sites have limited new openings. 

Always review the web sites of the city’s largest organizations – several are listed below – also check out the smaller tour companies and historic sites that might possibly need someone just like you.  If there is a place you want to work, actively pursue possible job openings now. It’s also not too soon to start planning for next year. 

Here below, review a couple job openings and the websites of the city’s biggest employers of tour guides and greeters.

  • Newport Historical Society. Museum help needed. This organization offers the largest variety and greatest number of walking tours in the city.  Check in for future openings. Tours offered year-round. Info: newporthistory.org
  • Special Events Attendant. Part-time/Seasonal. The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks a part-time special events staff. Events season roughly matches tourism season (April-October) though events occasionally exceed this range. Work shifts are dependent on event timing and can range from early morning to late night. www.newportmansions.org.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Newport Restoration Society. This leading non-profit operates Prescott Farm (2009 West Main Road, Middletown), Whitehorne House (416 Thames Street, Newport), and Rough Point mansion (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Seasonal. Info: newportrestoration.org

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 you love cars and the people who love cars, call Vincent Moretti to learn more about the volunteer opportunities: 401/848-CARS (2277)
  • Preservation Society of Newport County. This organization is always looking for volunteers. There are a variety of positions available, including work in the mansions and in the gardens of the Society. They recruit year-round.  Check their web site on a regular basis for current opportunities. www.newportmansions.org.

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

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CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS

The cruise ship season is wrapping up its fall season. More than 80 ships were scheduled this year. Here 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. Here are the upcoming arrivals scheduled for the next few weeks, courtesy of our friends at Discover Newport.

  • Thursday, October 31 – Silver Whisper – Silver Sea Cruises
  • Friday, November 1 – Caribbean Princess – Princess Cruise Lines
  • Sunday, November 10 – Riviera – Oceania

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FALL SCHEDULE FOR NEWPORT’S BEST BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!

BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – BUSY FALL SCHEDULE

The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is offered four times daily.  Tours are scheduled 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: NEW FALL SCHEDULE

Considered by many to be the best tour in Newport, the world-famous 1-hour guided “Servant Life Tour” at The Elms is better than ever.  Tours are offered daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 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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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS

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

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.

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 17 – BEYOND FORTUNE: THE LIFE & LEGACY OF DORIS DUKE

This exhibit at Doris Duke’s amazing seaside mansion, Rough Point (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) features photographs and historical documents from the extraordinary life of Doris Duke. Open daily from 10 am – 5 pm, except Wednesdays, from 10 am – 7 pm. Closed Mondays. Admission: Adults, $20; Children 12 and under, Free. Info and Tickets: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org

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 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. 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. Open weekends 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and by appointment. Info: 401/447-6757; newporttowermuseum.com  

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 29 – LOEB VISITORS CENTER & TOURO SYNAGOGUE TOURS 

Rhode Island residents: In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Loeb Visitors Center (52 Spring Street, Newport), Rhode Island residents will be allowed free entry to the Loeb Visitors Center and Touro Synagogue during regular tour hours from Sunday, September 29 through Sunday, December 29. Now through November 1: Tours offered Sunday – Friday. Synagogue tours 10:00 am – 1:30 pm. The tour is a half-hour seated presentation in the Synagogue. Tours run every half hour and the last tour of the day begins at 1:30 pm. November 3 – December 29: Sunday Only. Synagogue tours 11:00 am – 1:30 pm. The Loeb Visitors Center opens a half-hour before the start of the first tour and closes a half-hour after the last tour has ended. Info: tours@tourosynagogue.org or call (401) 847-4794 x207

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OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 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, OCTOBER 31 – 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, OCTOBER 31 – 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, NOVEMBER 1 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 – NEWPORT RESTAURANT WEEK

Newport Restaurant Week takes place every fall with more than 50 participating restaurants offering extraordinary two-course prix fixe lunches for $20, three-course prix fixe dinners for $35 and a three-course premier prix fixe dinner for $50. List of participating restaurants & Info: discovernewport.org/newport-restaurant-week/

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 – 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, NOVEMBER 1 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – BELCOURT RESTORATION TOUR – BELCOURT OF NEWPORT

Visit amazing Belcourt!  Carolyn Rafaelian, owner of Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), is well along 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 each day at: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Check for additional hours and current availability. Tickets: Adults: $17.50; Children: $8.00.  Info & Online Ticket Purchase: belcourt.com 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 – 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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 – 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 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – 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, NOVEMBER 4 – 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, NOVEMBER 5 – 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 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – FOOD IN THE AMERICAN GILDED AGE – ROSECLIFF – 6:00 PM

The final lecture in a 3-part series at Rosecliff presents Dr. Helen Zoe Veit to share her research into how the American dinner table changed during this period through the food contributions of immigrants, the growth of American agriculture, and the improvement of food distribution owing to the railroads. Dr. Veit is the author of Modern Food, Moral Food: Self-Control, Science, and the Rise of Modern American Eating in the Early Twentieth Century. Tickets & Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 – FULL MOON BIKE RIDE – 62 BROADWAY, NEWPORT — 4:00 PM

This may be the ultimate Newport experience. You ride with Bike Newport around Newport and end the evening at a bar for a few beverages. They call it “Bike to Beer!” Meet at 4:00pm at Bike Newport (62 Broadway, Newport). Required equipment includes bike helmets, head light, water bottle, & weather-appropriate clothing. Info: 401/619-4900; bikenewportri.org/fullmoonbikerides

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 – SEAMEN’S CHURCH INSTITUTE – CENTENNIAL ANNUAL MEETING – 6:00 PM

This seminal event will feature guest speaker Ruth Taylor, Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society. Meeting will be held at 6:00 pm, with a reception to follow at 7:00 pm.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 – THE NEWPORT NUTCRACKER AT ROSECLIFF

Additional shows on November 29, November 30, December 1, and December 3-6. Presented by Island Moving Company. Times vary. Call for tickets and additional info: 401/847-4470; islandmovingco.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 – BOWEN’S WHARF BLOCK PARTY – 4-8 PM

This is a fun time in a great place.  Lots of food, shopping, friends, and fun. Info: 401/849-2243; bowenswharf.com 

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UPCOMING WINTER 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 – OFFICIAL OPENING OF CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT – WASHINGTON SQUARE – 5 PM

The season begins as always with a big event in Washington Square to kick off a full month of activities in the City-by-the-Sea. Get more info at: 401/849-6454; christmasinnewport.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 – NEWPORT MANSIONS STORE HOLIDAY WAREHOUSE SALE

This is the big sale of cool Newport Mansion gift items everyone waits for each year. You’ll want to go, too. Head over to the Newport Mansions warehouse (215 Third Street, Newport) from 9 am – 4 pm TO see the great selection of merchandise, all 50% off! Shop for books, jewelry, home accessories, lamps, artwork and more. Info: 401/847-1000; info@newportmansions.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 –AN EVENING AT BELCOURT WITH G. LOVE & FOOD NETWORK CHEF KEV D

An evening of historical tours, music, and food at Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Tickets: $185. Purchase tickets online at belcourt.org

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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).

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