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2020 marks the beginning of a new decade and the achievement of some important milestones in the City-by-the-Sea. For all of the people who meet, greet, and lead tours for our visitors, this year is one with a lot of important historical dates to celebrate.  

This year we will recognize and salute the untiring work and perseverance of some this city’s early visionaries. It was the year 1945 when Katherine Warren and a few others formed the Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC) to purchase, save, and preserve Hunter House (1748). From this small beginning, some of the city’s most magnificent homes have been acquired and preserved for future generations.  This is the PSNC’s 75th anniversary of preserving our Newport Mansions.

Another early resident, Alva Vanderbilt (Marble House, Belcourt Castle) , directed her considerable energies and wealth to supporting the Women’s Suffrage movement – “Votes for Women” — that led to the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote. Many of the movement’s early rallies took place at her summer cottage, Marble House (1892). This year marks the 100th anniversary of the amendment’s ratification on August 18, 1920.  Let’s celebrate!

Several other milestones we are recognizing this year include the 75th anniversary of longtime business and important hospitality partner, Blackstone Catering, of nearby Middletown. They have been an important participant at so many landmark Newport events and celebrations since 1945. 

Best of all, we will recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of the grand opening Midnight Ball of the largest and grandest of all the Newport mansions – The Breakers, which opened, after just 28 months of construction, on the evening of August 14, 1895.  Following a dinner at 8:30 for 30 close friends, over 300 guests began arriving at 11 pm to attend the formal cotillion at which Gertrude, the daughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his wife, Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt, was formally introduced to society. 

In a related, but no less important story, the Preservation Society this week announced that for the fourth year in a row, the Newport Mansions hosted more than 1 million tours – 1,006,190, to be exact. PSNC Executive Director, Trudy Coxe, reported that, “This milestone again puts us among the four most-visited museums in New England. We are especially pleased that our guests come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.” 

So, as we celebrate these and many other milestones this year, enjoy a new season of meeting, greeting, leading tours, and providing The Newport Experience to our millions of visitors and guests in 2020!

YOU ARE THE FACE OF NEWPORT: Check the schedules below and begin to become familiar with the long list of exciting upcoming events during the year ahead. Share these events with our visitors and try to attend as many of them for yourself as well. 

2020 is here and we’re ready to go!

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REMIND YOUR GUESTS ABOUT THESE CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

▪ NOW OPEN ▪ TIFFANY GLASS: PAINTING WITH COLOR AND LIGHT ▪ THE NEW EXHIBIT AT ROSECLIFF

▪ JANUARY 18-25 ▪ NEWPORT WELLNESS WEEK + WELLNESS MARKETPLACE (JAN 19 AT NEWPORT MARRIOTT)

▪ FEBRUARY 14-23, 2020 ▪ NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL

▪ MARCH 14, 2020 ▪ NEWPORT ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE ▪ A FREE EVENT 

▪ NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE ▪ FESTIVAL DATES: AUGUST 7-9, 2020

Check out the upcoming 2020 events at the end of this column.

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

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OPERATING SCHEDULES UPDATE & REMINDERS

▪ Rough Point is closed for the season, re-opening in April 2020. 

▪ Marble House is now closed for a deep cleaning. It will re-open on February 14, 2020.

▪ The Chinese Tea House at Marble House is closed for the winter. Re-opening on March 1, 2020.

TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK: A SEASON FOR LEARNING

The slower days and shorter schedules at many of the city’s historic sites provide guides and greeters with time to read, review, and learn more about our history. 

Guides should use the advantage of fewer scheduled days and shorter shifts to get out and explore both the city and the city’s libraries. This is a great time to catch up on web sites, online news, and book reading. Review your notes and questions from guests over the summer and fall seasons. Find answers and research more details about the places where you will be working as well as each of the tour sites you will bring visitors this coming year. Put winter’s downtime to good use and increase your knowledge of all things Newport for this upcoming season’s tours.

BRIEF SUGGESTED WINTER READING LIST

Newport: A Lively Experiment ▪ 1639-1969, Revised Second Edition (2015), By Rockwell Stensrud; A Guidebook to the Newport Mansions (2012), Original Text by Ann Benway; Secret Providence & Newport (2002), By Barbara Radcliffe Rogers & Juliette Rogers; Estate Gardeners of Newport, A Horticultural Legacy (2010), by Harry J. Eudenbach; Trees of Newport on the Estates of the Preservation Society of Newport County (1976), by Richard L. Champlin; and Gilded: How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort (2009), by Deborah Davis. 

Prepare Now To Make 2020 Your Best Year Ever In The City-By-The-Sea!

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NOTE

Each week in this column, we share tips and strategies for planning, 

marketing, and providing quality guest services. If you have a suggestion, 

please send it along to kennethproudfoot@hotmail.com 

so we can share it with all our readers. Thanks!

On Preservation 

Surely, we have learned that good design is timeless.

One generation of fine architecture sets standards for those that follow. 

Each generation that succeeds ours will need to be careful filling in the 

few blanks that remain on Aquidneck Island,  being as sensitive to the 

natural environment as to the quality of the structures that are built upon it.

-Roger Mandle

Trustee, The Newport Restoration Foundation

From “The Sum of Their Parts” in Extraordinary Vision: Doris Duke 

and the Newport Restoration Foundation (2010)

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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF

2020 IS HERE! Now is the best time to research jobs, start making connections, and seeking employment for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons. 

Most of the city’s largest tour and cruise businesses accept job applications year-round. Get a jump on the upcoming seasons’ seasonal job-seeking crowd and apply now for 2020 work on harbor cruises, walking tour guides, trolley driver/guides, and cruise ship bus step-on guide work. 

Here is contact information for the city’s largest employers of tour guides and greeters.

  • Preservation Society of Newport County. This is the largest owner and operator of historic mansions in Newport. Open year-round. They hire tour guides, housekeepers, and security guards. Check out their web site for current job openings.  Info: newportmansions.org 
  • 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 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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WINTER SCHEDULE FOR NEWPORT’S BEST BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!

BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – WINTER SCHEDULE

The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is offered four times daily.  Tours are scheduled at 10:30 am, 12 noon, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. Tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org 

SERVANT LIFE TOUR AT THE ELMS: WINTER 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, 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. Info and updates: newportmansions.org

CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 29, 2020 – GURNEY’S SKATING RINK – GURNEY’S NEWPORT RESORT & MARINA

Gurney’s Skating Rink (located at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina on Goat Island) opens for the season on Friday, November 22nd. The rink is open daily from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm. The rink is open through February 29, 2020. Admission: $10. Skate rental: $7. Info: 401/849-2600; gurneysresorts.com 

NOW THROUGH MARCH 1, 2020 — TIFFANY GLASS: PAINTING WITH COLOR AND LIGHT – ROSECLIFF

Organized by The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in New York City, Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light is comprised of five windows, nineteen lamps, and more than 100 pieces of opalescent flat glass and glass “jewels” that illustrate the rich expanse of color and light available to the artists at the Tiffany Studios. The objects on display are some of the most iconic and celebrated of Tiffany’s works. Accompanying these works of art is an educational model illustrating the labor-intensive process of making leaded-glass shades as well as three examples of Tiffany lamp forgeries to explore issues of authenticity and connoisseurship. This exhibition also highlights some of the key figures at the Tiffany Studios who made essential contributions to the artistry of the windows and lamps: chemist Arthur J. Nash and leading designers Agnes Northrop, Frederick Wilson, and Clara Driscoll. The exhibit will be open during regular hours on the second floor of Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) through March 1, 2020. Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 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, JANUARY 9 – 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, JANUARY 10 – 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, JANUARY 11, 2020 – NEW EXHIBIT OPENING – AUDRAIN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM 

A new exhibit — Past To Present — will feature old and new super race cars. Info: 401/856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 – NEWPORT SEAL WATCH TOUR – BOWEN’S FERRY LANDING – 1 PM – 2 PM

Save The Bay offers a 1-hour seal watch tour aboard one of Save the Bay’s educational vessels. Expert guides and binoculars are provided to get a closer view of these seasonal marine visitors. Come aboard to motor through historic Newport Harbor and take in views of seals resting on Citing Rock off Rose Island. Tickets: $17; $22. Boat leaves from Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing (30 Market Square, Newport). Info: 401/203-7325; savebay.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 – NEWPORT SEAL WATCH TOUR – BOWEN’S FERRY LANDING – 1 PM – 2 PM

Save The Bay offers a 1-hour seal watch tour aboard one of Save the Bay’s educational vessels. Expert guides and binoculars are provided to get a closer view of these seasonal marine visitors. Come aboard to motor through historic Newport Harbor and take in views of seals resting on Citing Rock off Rose Island. Tickets: $17; $22. Boat leaves from Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing (30 Market Square, Newport). Info: 401/203-7325; savebay.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 – NEWPORT SEAL WATCH & ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOUR – 10 AM – 12 NOON

Save The Bay offers a 2-hour seal watch tour aboard one of Save the Bay’s educational vessels. We provide expert guides as well as binoculars to get a closer view of these seasonal marine visitors. Join us as we motor through historic Newport Harbor, tour Rose Island, and take in views of seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island. Tickets: $37; $47. Boat leaves from Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing (30 Market Square, Newport). Info: 401/203-7325; savebay.org

JANUARY 18-25, 2020 — NEWPORT WELLNESS WEEK

Start the year off right by focusing on lifelong health and wellness solutions. Join this annual celebration of mind, body and spirit featuring a diverse array of events throughout Newport. The Newport Wellness Marketplace will be held at the Newport Marriott on January 19th from 10 am- 3 pm. Info: 401/849-8048; discovernewport.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 –31, 2020 – RHODE ISLAND HOTEL WEEK

Rhode Island’s first hotel week is a great opportunity to treat oneself to a stay in one of RI’s top hotels! This is a great time to take advantage of amazing savings at one or more of Rhode Island’s new, historic and distinguished hotels across the state. This 14-day promotion from January 18-31, 2020, features flat rates of just $100, $200, $300 and $400 per night for hotels that typically charge upwards of $500 per night! Info: hotelweekri.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2020 – NEWPORT WELLNESS MARKETPLACE – NEWPORT MARRIOTT – 10 AM – 3 PM

To kick-off a week of wellness, come to the Newport Wellness Marketplace at the Newport Marriott, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Info: discovernewport.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 – NEWPORT SEAL WATCH & ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOUR – 10 AM – 12 NOON 

Save The Bay offers a 2-hour seal watch tour aboard one of Save the Bay’s educational vessels. We provide expert guides as well as binoculars to get a closer view of these seasonal marine visitors. Join us as we motor through historic Newport Harbor, tour Rose Island, and take in views of seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island. Tickets: $37; $47. Boat leaves from Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing (30 Market Square, Newport). Info: 401/203-7325; savebay.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 20 – NEWPORT SEAL WATCH & ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOUR – 10 AM – 12 NOON

Save The Bay offers a 2-hour seal watch tour aboard one of Save the Bay’s educational vessels. We provide expert guides as well as binoculars to get a closer view of these seasonal marine visitors. Join us as we motor through historic Newport Harbor, tour Rose Island, and take in views of seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island. Tickets: $37; $47. Boat leaves from Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing (30 Market Square, Newport). Info: 401/203-7325; savebay.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 – 2020 WINTER LECTURE SERIES – 12 NOON — ROSECLIFF

Jim Donahue opens the Preservation Society of Newport County’s 2020 winter lecture series with “Restoring the Landscape: The Breakers Serpentine Path,” at 12 noon on January 30. $5 Members / $10 General Public. Details and registration at: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 – EMERGING SCHOLARS COLLOQUIUM – ISAAC BELL HOUSE – 9 AM – 3 PM

The Preservation Society of Newport County is offering its second annual Emerging Scholars Colloquium in conjunction with The Decorative Arts Trust. Join this event on February 8 at Isaac Bell House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a daylong speaker series featuring new research by young scholars. A box lunch is included with registration. Contact emarchi@newportmansions.org for more information. 

FEBRUARY 14-23, 2020  – NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL – CITY WIDE

Winter extravaganza featuring numerous events for the entire family. Includes the annual Chili Cook-Off, the Mac and Cheese Smackdown, and the Princess Party. Schedule and Information: 401/847-7666; newportwinterfestival.com

FEBRUARY 14-20, 2020 – NEWPORT BURGER BENDER

This is an annual contest pitting the best restaurants of Newport County against each other to produce the best burger. The 2019 winner was La Forge Casino Restaurant.  The Bellevue Avenue restaurant’s “Winterburger” was comprised of an 8 oz. ground brisket blend patty topped with signature slow-braised short rib, baby arugula, cheddar and smoked bacon-cranberry jam on a toasted brioche bun.  Join the fun this year! Info: discovernewport.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 – EMERGING SCHOLARS COLLQUIUM – ISAAC BELL HOUSE – 9 AM – 3 PM

The Preservation Society of Newport County is offering its second annual Emerging Scholars Colloquium in conjunction with The Decorative Arts Trust. Join this event on February 8 at Isaac Bell House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a daylong speaker series featuring new research by young scholars. A box lunch is included with registration. Students: $5; Members: $30; General Public: $40. Contact emarchi@newportmansions.org for more information. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 — ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE WALKING TOUR – 11:00 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 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 — DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT – 11:00 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. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 — ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS – 11:00 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 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 – ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE – 11:00 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 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 — DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT – 11:00 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. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 — ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS – 11:00 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 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 — ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE – 11:00 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 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 — DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT – 11:00 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. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 — ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS – 11:00 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 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 2020 TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020 – NEWPORT WEDDING SHOW – AT ROSECLIFF & OCEANCLIFF

The one stop for planning and organizing a memorable wedding event. Caterers, Jewelers, Wedding Venues, Photographers, Florists, Salons, and more will make it effortless. Info:  401/380-2313; NewportWeddingShow.com

MARCH 1-31, 2020 – 43RD ANNUAL NEWPORT IRISH HERITAGE MONTH 

A celebration of “All Things Irish,” including the 63rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 16.  Enjoy traditional Irish music & dance, food, tours, lectures and more!  Info: (401) 847-8671 

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020 – NEWPORT ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE – 11 AM

One of the biggest St. Patrick Day parades in the nation!  It steps off from Newport City Hall (43 Broadway) at 11 am. Info: 401/413-9601; newportirish.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 — AQUIDNECK STONE WALL INITIATIVE: PRESERVING THE ISLAND’S HISTORIC CHARACTER
Stone walls are visible reminders of Aquidneck Island’s rural, agricultural history. These iconic features contribute to the island’s sense of place but are threatened by incremental loss. Leigh Schoberth, Preservation Policy Associate at the Preservation Society of Newport County will share the history of stone walls and the efforts of the Aquidneck Stone Wall Initiative to preserve them. Thursday, March 12 at 12 PM at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Admission: $5/Members; $10/General Public. Info & Registration: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

MARCH 30, 2020 – RE-OPENING OF CHATEAU-SUR-MER FOR THE SEASON

The 1852 Chateau-Sur-Mer, one of America’s great Victorian homes, will re-open for guided tours on March 30th. The home, located at 474 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, is a National Historic Landmark. Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

APRIL 2020 – NEWPORT DAFFODIL DAYS 

More than one million daffodils have been planted in the City-by-the-Sea by this program. As the flowers blossom, an annual festival celebrates Spring and its signature blooms, featuring special events, food, and music. Fun for the entire family. Info: newportdaffydays.com

APRIL 13, 2020 – RE-OPENING OF GREEN ANIMALS TOPIARY GARDEN FOR THE SEASON 

Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

APRIL 11, 2020 – EASTER EGG HUNT & BRUNCH – ROSECLIFF – 10:00 AM

Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch is on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) at 10:00 a.m. The Easter Bunny visits Rosecliff for the annual Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch. Bring the children to scramble for candy-filled eggs on the oceanfront lawn and pose for photos with the Bunny. Info: 401/847-1000.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 – SATURDAY, APRIL 18 – THE NEWPORT SYMPOSIUM: MOVERS, SHAKERS, & MAKERS

Opening Reception and Lecture at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Daily Programs at the Newport Marriott and Preservation Society of Newport County sites. Gala Dinner on Saturday Night (by separate ticket). Info & registration at 401-847-1000; newportmansions.org

APRIL 20-26, 2020 – NEWPORT ARBORETUM WEEK – NEWPORT ELKS LODGE – 7:00 PM

From Earth Day to Arbor Day, come celebrate the City of Arboreta!  Newport, Rhode Island is home to far more professionally accredited arboreta than any other city in the world. During Newport Arboretum Week, you are invited to explore this urban forest, enjoy arboreal events citywide, and take pride in our city’s incredible urban forest. Recurring daily. 7:00 PM. FREE (Trolley Tour $15). Location: Newport Elks Lodge (141 Pelham Street, Newport).
Info: (401) 239-2045.

APRIL 24 & 25, 2020 – NEWPORT CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL – GREAT FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE — NEWPORT

Info: newportcraftbeer.com

MAY 15-17, 2020 – NEWPORT OYSTER FESTIVAL – BOWEN’S WHARF

Annual festival in celebration of the oyster. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. Info: 401/849-2243; bowenswharf.com 

MAY 18, 2020 – SUMMER RE-OPENING OF CHEPSTOW, HUNTER HOUSE, ISAAC BELL HOUSE & KINGSCOTE

Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

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SUMMER 2020 PREVIEW — TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS

JUNE 6, 2020 – OPENING WEEKEND FOR THE NEWPORT POLO SERIES

Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com

JUNE 19-21 , 2020 – NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW – ROSECLIFF MANSION – NEWPORT

This year’s theme is Voices in the Garden. Voices are like fingerprints. Each has a unique register and leaves an indelible signature. A garden is the reflection of the gardener’s voice. Whether that voice echoes the strength in mighty trees, the romance of fragrant flowers, or the laughter of bubbling water, all are still heard in great gardens. Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

JULY 31-AUGUST 2, 2020 – NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL—FORT ADAMS

Since 1959, the Newport Folk Festival has thrilled audiences. This year’s festival begins on July 31st. Info: newportfestivals.org

JULY 2020 – NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Dates TBA. Info: 401/849-0700; newportmusic.org

AUGUST 7-9, 2020 –NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS

This annual event takes place the first weekend of August. Info & Tickets: newportjazzfest.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 [Buy direct from 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 author of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook (Shoreline Press (RI), 2017). 

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