Newport boasts a proud heritage and a grand history as Irish Heritage Month begins in the City-by-the-Sea! Whether you were born on the Emerald Isle, are a descendant of an Irish family, or are the spouse or relation of an Irish lad or lassie, we are celebrating you!
And even if you have no direct relation to Ireland, do not despair,
for it has been declared that on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th), everyone is Irish!
The arrival of this third month of the year marks the kickoff of a full schedule of special lectures, talks, tours, and events with New England’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for Saturday morning, March 14th. It begins at City Hall on Broadway at 11:00 am.
So, come to Newport and enjoy some or all of the many activities to be presented here.
You can check out further details in the listings below.
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REMIND YOUR GUESTS ABOUT THESE CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS
▪ MARCH 6, 2020 ▪ SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE MUSEUM OF NEWPORT IRISH HISTORY
▪ MARCH 14, 2020 ▪ NEWPORT ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE ▪ A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT – 11 AM
▪ APRIL 24 – MAY 3, 2020 ▪ 7TH ANNUAL NEWPORT DAFFODIL DAYS FESTIVAL ▪ FEATURING 1.2 MILLION BLOOMS
▪ APRIL 24, 2020 ▪ RHODE ISLAND ARBOR DAY 2020 ▪ A CELEBRATION OF OUR TREES
▪ JUNE 15, 2020 ▪ “FOUR FAITHS TOUR” BEGINS FOR THE SUMMER ▪ [SEE: 4FAITHS.ORG]
▪ JUNE 24-28, 2020 – U.S. SENIOR OPEN AT THE NEWPORT COUNTRY CLUB – TICKETS ON SALE NOW
▪ NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! ▪ 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
▪ The Chinese Tea House re-opens today (March 5) for lunches. Spring hours will be 11 am – 5 pm.
▪ March 28 — Rosecliff Re-Opens & Chateau-sur-Mer Opens for the season.
▪ March 29 – Rosecliff closes to the public at 3 pm for the opening reception for the Becoming Vanderbilt exhibit
▪ The National Museum of American Illustration (492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) is closed for renovations, now
through April 2020. Re-opening date TBA.
▪ Rough Point is closed for the season, re-opening in April 2020.
TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK ▪ THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE
A Key Personal Quality for successful tour guides is KNOWLEDGE.
There are two types of knowledge to have.
▪ One is job knowledge, knowing everything about the specific job you have and what it entails and how to do it well.
▪ The second type of knowledge is to know about the history and people and places in the neighborhood and city where you work.
In Newport, there is an initial steep learning curve in this place boasting more than 375 years of history, but it can be accomplished. A diligent investment in reading, attending lectures and exhibits, asking questions, and visiting our historic sites will pay off in many ways for your work as a tour guide or greeter. You’ll be more valuable, more in demand, and you’ll have the confidence to share your knowledge and enthusiasm about our history with the hundreds of thousands of people arriving to discover our City-by-the-Sea.
Welcome March and Keep Learning!
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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.
We’ll share it with all our readers. And you. Thanks!
Preservation & Heritage Tourism
We regret much of what we’ve built;
We regret much of what we’ve torn down.
But we’ve never regretted preserving anything.
-Daniel Sack
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NEWPORT JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ▪ BEGIN YOUR SEARCH NOW!
TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF
NEW OPENINGS RECENTLY POSTED
- Now Hiring – Part-time Associate Guide at The Preservation Society of Newport County. Part-time candidate needed to work a flexible schedule up to 32 hours per week in season, seasonally. One weekend day is required. Occasional special events may require work outside of this time frame. More information: newportmansions.org
- Now Hiring for the 2020 Season — Sightsailing. Runs tours and charters with its fleet of vessels from Bowen’s Wharf. Hires for a variety of crew, office, and reservations positions. Info: 401/849-3333; sightsailing.com
- Visitor Services Associates – Newport Restoration Foundation. The Newport Restoration Foundation seeks seasonal, part-time (3-4 days per week) frontline staff for the 2020 season (April-November). Open positions include tour guides, greeters, and front desk staff for both Rough Point and Whitehorne Museums. Season from April to November. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé. Applications accepted until March 13th, 2020. Info: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org
- Sales/Ticket Booth — Gansett Cruises-Harbor Tour Boat – Newport, RI. Ability to handle fast paced sales environment, high volume of phone calls, basic computer skills. Prior sales experience preferred, cash handling. Info/Apply: info@gansettcruises.com
- Tour Guide – Watson Farm — Jamestown, RI. Seasonal part-time guide to work at Watson Farm (1796) for the 2020 season, and to fill in shifts or work at special events at Historic New England’s three other Rhode Island properties. Please send resume and cover letter to WatsonFarm@HistoricNewEngland.org.
- Server-Crew — Gansett Cruises — Harbor Tour Boat – Newport, RI. Boating experience helpful. Available to work flexible hours including night, weekends and holidays. Knowledge of Newport and surroundings helpful. A seasonal position May thru the end of October. Must be able to pass a mandatory USCG drug test. Info/Apply: info@gansettcruises.com
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
- Sightsailing. Runs tours and charters with its fleet of vessels from Bowen’s Wharf. Hires for a variety of crew, office, and reservations positions. Info: 401/849-3333; sightsailing.com
Cruise Ship Season begins in May!
If you want a job with the land-based tour companies greeting cruise ship passengers, don’t wait! Most of the city’s largest tour and cruise businesses accept job applications year-round. Get a jump on the upcoming seasons’ job-seeking crowd and apply now for 2020 seasonal work for harbor cruises, walking tour guides, trolley driver/guides, and cruise ship bus step-on guide work.
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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WE BELIEVE TOUR GUIDES & GREETERS ARE THE FACE OF NEWPORT
Check the schedules listed below and get 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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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS
NOW THROUGH APRIL 2020 – PAST TO PRESENT: POWER & SPEED WITH STYLE – AUDRAIN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
The new exhibit — Past To Present: Power & Speed With Style — features old and new super race cars. Info: 401/856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org
DAILY – BREAKERS INTERPRETIVE TOURS – 9:00 AM
The Breakers began offering a new program of daily guided tours – Breakers Interpretive Tours – on Sunday, March 1st at 9 am. This daily tour will be led by one of the Preservation Society of Newport County’s (PSNC) senior tour guides and follow the same tour route that guides have been taking visitors during the winter. The tour is limited to 15 people, and tickets will be available through the PSNC ticket sellers and online up to 11:59 pm the night prior. This tour is timed so that ticket holders can also opt to take the Beneath the Breakers Tour at 10:30 am, on a space available basis, so that they can enjoy both experiences. Tickets: Adult Member: $40; Adult Non-Member: $55; Youth (6-17 years): $20. Tickets & Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
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MARCH 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.
MARCH 1-31, 2020 – 43RD ANNUAL NEWPORT IRISH HERITAGE MONTH
A celebration of “All Things Irish,” including the 64th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday March 14th. Enjoy traditional Irish music & dance, food, tours, lectures and more! Info: NewportIrishHistory@gmail.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 – 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, MARCH 6 – MUSEUM OF NEWPORT IRISH HISTORY – SPECIAL OPENING DAYS
The Museum of Newport Irish History (648 Thames Street, Newport) will offer special opening hours (11 am to 4 pm) for ten days during Irish Heritage Month in March, beginning on Friday, March 6th. The museum at 648 Lower Thames Street in Newport will be open March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, and 22. The regular season starts with a grand re-opening Memorial Day Weekend, beginning on Friday, May 22nd. Learn here about Irish immigration to Newport County and the key aspects of Irish influence and contributions to life in Newport. Info: 401/848-0661; newportirishhistory.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS – SPRING FORWARD ONE HOUR
Try not to be an hour late for your shift on this day. Jump the clock an hour ahead on Saturday night. You’ll be okay. We’ve been doing this light saving dance in Newport since March 31, 1918.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 – NEWPORT GALLERY NIGHT – 5:00-8:00 PM
This is the second in a monthly series, held the second Thursday of each month from February through December, hosted by the Newport Gallery Organization. The Newport Gallery Organization is comprised of 28 member galleries, museums and cultural institutions who offer original works from local artists as well as from artisans around the world. Contemporary, historic, traditional and avant-garde pieces may be purchased sales tax free throughout Newport. Free parking at the Newport Visitors Center. Info: newportgallerynight.com
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
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 – BECOMING VANDERBILT – A NEW EXHIBITION AT ROSECLIFF
The new exhibit coincides with a year celebrating women – wherein four of the city’s most famous women have a spotlight shined upon them. Here you will meet philanthropist Alice Vanderbilt (The Breakers) and her daughter Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, an artist, patron and museum founder, along with Alva Vanderbilt Belmont whose tireless efforts on behalf of getting the vote for women led to the passage of the 19th amendment (1920), and Alva’s daughter, Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, whose great benevolence and gifts enriched so many. This exhibit opens at Rosecliff on Saturday, March 28th. It will run through November 1, 2020. Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 — 2020 ANNUAL EXPO AT GURNEY’S RESORT & MARINA
The Annual Expo produced by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will be held from 4-7 pm at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina (1 Goat Island, Newport) on Wednesday, March 25th. Admission is free and open to all ages. This community event welcomes local exhibitors including restaurants, nonprofits, local businesses in tech, real estate, home improvement, finance, health and wellness, beauty, travel and leisure, senior care, assisted living, IT, arts and entertainment, and more! Complimentary food and beverage samples and a cash bar will be available. Info: 401/847-1608; newportchamber.com
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 & MAY 2020 ▪ TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 3 — ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS – 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
APRIL 4 & 5, 2020 – NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAY – FREE ADMISSION TO NEWPORT MANSIONS
One of six scheduled Newport County Residents Days in 2020. Residents get free admission to the Newport Mansions. Bring license and/or utility bill to prove residency. Info: Go to newportmansions.org for schedules and hours.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4 — DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT – 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. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 4 – NEWPORT NIGHT RUN – 7:30 PM
Walkers and runners of all ages and paces are welcome to come out to Newport’s only after-hours 5K road race event, the Newport Night Run! The race, which benefits the Newport Public Education Foundation, will start at 7:30 PM on Saturday, April 4th. The city-by-the-sea’s annual after-hours 5K starts and finishes at Rogers High School. The course showcases some of Newport’s most beautiful rural roads, including parts of Ocean Avenue and Hazard Road. Walkers and runners of all ages and paces are welcome to participate! Bring the whole family — discounted student registration is available. Info and Registration: newportnightrun.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 5 – 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, APRIL 6 — 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
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 – NEWPORT GALLERY NIGHT – 5:00-8:00 PM
This is the third in a monthly series, held the second Thursday of each month from February through December, hosted by the Newport Gallery Organization. The Newport Gallery Organization is comprised of 28 member galleries, museums and cultural institutions who offer original works from local artists as well as from artisans around the world.
Contemporary, historic, traditional and avant-garde pieces may be purchased sales tax free throughout Newport. Free parking at the Newport Visitors Center. Info: newportgallerynight.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 – 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.
MONDAY, APRIL 13 – RE-OPENING OF GREEN ANIMALS TOPIARY GARDEN FOR THE SEASON
Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
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 18-24, 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.
Info: (401) 239-2045.
APRIL 24 – MAY 3, 2020 – 7TH NEWPORT DAFFODIL DAYS FESTIVAL
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
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 – RHODE ISLAND ARBOR DAY 2020 – STATEWIDE
Happening during Newport Arboretum Week. Celebrations statewide, but particular emphasis on talks, lectures, and walking tours of our special arboretum. Check discovernewport.org for schedules.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 – SPRING BOOK SALE – REDWOOD LIBRARY & ATHENAEUM
If you love books (of course you do!), you’ll want to go to the Redwood Library Spring Book Sale at the Redwood Library (50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) from Friday, April 24, 9:30 am till Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00 pm. Info at: redwoodlibrary.org or phone 401/847-0292.
APRIL 24 & 25, 2020 – NEWPORT CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL – GREAT FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE — NEWPORT
Info: newportcraftbeer.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 – DAFFODIL DAYS FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONIES – BANNISTERS & BOWEN’S WHARF
Gather round to celebrate as the muskets are fired and the official ribbon of daffodils is cut at the historic Clarke Cooke House. The festival blooms forth on Bannister’s Wharf! With many thanks to Bannisters Wharf, this event will feature the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon of daffodils, the firing of the Muskets by the Newport Artillery Company of Newport, complimentary lemon bars and lemonade (daffy yellow, of course!), free Daffy Face painting for the kids, a Daffy stilt walker for your amazement, and steel drum music to get you dancing and daffy. Time: 1-2 pm. Next door at Bowen’s Wharf, you can pick up your daffy pins at the Pilot House and visit the URI Master Gardener tent for tips on your spring planting and get your free flower seeds. There are plenty of Daffy Deals and store specials for all those wearing the Daffodil Pin. Info: newportdaffydays.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 – 35TH ANNUAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE – CCRI KNIGHT CAMPUS
The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) and partners will take you Back to the Future, for Rhode Island’s 35th Annual Historic Preservation Conference, on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Headquarters for this year’s event is CCRI’s Knight Campus in Warwick. The historic tour list includes: Governor Francis Farms, Garden City, Ira Rakatansky’s residential architecture, Pontiac, Apponaug, Clouds Hill Museum, Brayton Cemetery, Knight Estate, and the magnificent Knight Campus megastructure. Registration will open at preservationconferenceri.com in early March.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 — DAFFY DELIRIUM! – THE CHANLER — 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Celebrate the blooming of over one million daffodils! Join the Newport Daffodil Days Festival and Newport in Bloom at the historic Chanler on Cliff Walk (117 Memorial Blvd., Newport) for a delirious evening of merriment. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast to Mother Nature’s bounty, live music, daffy prizes and even S’mores at the Chanler’s fire pit while overlooking hundreds of daffodils set against Easton’s Bay. Tickets: $35. All proceeds go to purchase bulbs for the annual free bulb give-away in October and the beautiful flower baskets throughout town. Info: newportdaffydays.com
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020 — DAFFODIL GARDEN PARTY WITH LIVE MUSIC AND BALLET – BELLEVUE HOUSE ▪ 3:30-5:00 PM
Stroll through the magnificent Daffodil adorned gardens at Bellevue House (304 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) and enjoy live music, a cash bar and Dances Among the Daffodils performed by the RI Ballet Theater at 4:30pm. $5 suggested donation. Free with a Daffy Pin. Info: newportdaffydays.com
MAY 9 & 10, 2020 – NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAY – FREE ADMISSION TO NEWPORT MANSIONS
Second of six scheduled Newport County Residents Days in 2020. Residents get free admission to the Newport Mansions. Bring license and/or utility bill to prove residency. Info: Go to newportmansions.org for schedules and hours.
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
FRIDAY, MAY 22 – SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 – OPENING WEEKEND – MUSEUM OF NEWPORT IRISH HISTORY
Memorial Day Weekend season opener. In the heart of the “Fifth Ward” – Newport’s best known Irish American neighborhood – visitors will learn about Irish immigration to Newport County from the 1600s to the present and of the many contributions made to our community by individuals of Irish descent. Interpretive Center exhibits are organized around several key aspects of life in the local Irish community and include maps, photographs, video, and artifacts, including some from the construction of Fort Adams, which was built with Irish immigrant labor. The Museum of Newport Irish History (648 Lower Thames Street, Newport). Info: 401/848-0661; newportirishhistory.org
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SUMMER 2020 PREVIEW ▪ TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 – HOME OPENER – NEWPORT GULLS BASEBALL TEAM
2020 marks 20 Years of the Newport Gulls in the City by the Sea! The past two decades have included six championships, ten division titles, more than 150 alumni playing professional baseball, and much more! Leading up to Opening Day 2020, the Gulls are counting down the Top 20 Moments in History on their web site. Attend Opening Day! Go to: NewportGulls.com
JUNE 6, 2020 – OPENING WEEKEND FOR THE NEWPORT POLO SERIES
Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com
JUNE 13, 14, & 15, 2020 – NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAY – FREE ADMISSION TO NEWPORT MANSIONS
Third of six scheduled Newport County Residents Days in 2020. Newport County Residents and Hospitality Workers get free admission to the Newport Mansions and other cooperating attractions. Bring license and/or utility bill to prove residency/work status. Info: Go to newportmansions.org for schedules and hours.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020 – FOUR FAITHS WALKING TOUR
This is the first tour of the summer. Tour begins at Touro Synagogue at 10 am. It continues at United Baptist Church, Newport Congregational Church, and Channing Memorial Church. Tours conducted the third Monday of every month, through September. Information & Tickets: www.4faiths.org
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
JUNE 24 – 28, 2020 – THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN 2020 – NEWPORT COUNTRY CLUB
The 41st U.S. Senior Open will be held at Newport Country Club (280 Harrison Avenue, Newport). There’s a variety of tickets and packages available. Contact: ussenioropen.com/2020
JULY 25-26, 2020 – THE NEWPORT SHOW – ST. GEORGE’S ICE RINK – MIDDLETOWN, RI
Save the dates! The 2020 edition of The Newport Show will be held at St. George’s School Ice Rink (375 Purgatory Road, Middletown). The show benefits the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County. A Gala Preview Party will be hosted on Friday, July 24th. Free parking. Info: www.TheNewportShow.com
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 & Venues TBA. Info: 401/849-0700; newportmusic.org
AUGUST 1 & 2, 2020 – NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAY – FREE ADMISSION TO NEWPORT MANSIONS
Fourth of six scheduled Newport County Residents Days in 2020. Residents get free admission to the Newport Mansions. Bring license and/or utility bill to prove residency. Info: Go to newportmansions.org for schedules and hours.
AUGUST 7-9, 2020 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS
This annual event takes place the first weekend of August. Tickets on sale now. Info & Tickets: newportjazzfest.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 – 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT – MARBLE HOUSE
Be sure to set this day aside to join with members and friends of the Preservation Society of Newport County in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment (ratified on August 18, 1920) to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote. The setting of Marble House is appropriate as so many of the rallies calling for “Votes for Women” were hosted by Marble House owner, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, and held on the grounds of this great Bellevue Avenue Gilded Age mansion. Stay tuned for more details. Info: newportmansions.org
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AUTUMN 2020 PREVIEW ▪ TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 12 & 13, 2020 –NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAY – FREE ADMISSION TO NEWPORT MANSIONS
Fifth of six scheduled Newport County Residents Days in 2020. Residents get free admission to the Newport Mansions. Bring license and/or utility bill to prove residency. Info: Go to newportmansions.org for schedules and hours.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2020 – AUDRAIN MOULIN ROUGE – INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME – 6:30 PM
The Audrain Automobile Museum’s 5th Annual Gala Fundraiser will be A Night at the Audrain Moulin Rouge. Info: audrainautomuseum.org
NOVEMBER 21 & 22, 2020 –NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAY – FREE ADMISSION TO NEWPORT MANSIONS
Final of six scheduled Newport County Residents Days for 2020. Residents get free admission to the Newport Mansions. Bring license and/or utility bill to prove residency. Info: Go to newportmansions.org for schedules and hours.
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
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Every day, Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Welcome the World to our City-by-the-Sea!
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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).