Physical places in Newport, our museums and historic attractions, are closed to the public. But there are still plenty of options for anyone who wants to learn about our Gilded Age homes, see some of the collections of historic documents and furnishings, view our amazing coastline, and take virtual tours of some of our unique sites. Check out some of these links and share them with your friends and associates across the country and around the world. A partial list appears below.
The Museum of Newport Irish History (newportirishhistory.org), Newport Historical Society (NewportHistory.org), the Preservation Society of Newport County (NewportMansions.org), Newport Art Museum (NewportArtMuseum.org), Redwood Library and Athenaeum (RedwoodLibrary.org), Audrain Automobile Museum (AudrainAutoMuseum.org), and Discover Newport (DiscoverNewport.org), among others, have photos, short videos, virtual tours, and lots of interesting information posted on their web sites and related social media sites (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, others). You may also sign up online for their individual newsletters and daily posts.
The Audrain Automobile Museum is posting a daily Photo of the Day of one of their amazing cars. The Preservation Society of Newport County recently added a new series of Virtual Tours of The Elms, and two of the recent art exhibitions at Rosecliff. On their website (NewportMansions.org), click on the “Virtual Visits” button.
Until this public health crisis passes and we are back open for business, take this time to read, learn, study, and better understand our city’s exciting heritage.
Meanwhile, continue to check for openings and available services at our local restaurants, stores, and historical sites on the city’s visitor site at discovernewport.org, with daily updates on whatsupnewp.com.
You can check out further details in the listings below.
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STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON THESE UPCOMING EVENTS (Subject to Change)
▪ 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
▪ JUNE 27, 2020 ▪ SUMMER RE-OPENING OF CHEPSTOW, HUNTER HOUSE, ISAAC BELL HOUSE & KINGSCOTE
▪ 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 UPDATES
▪ Preservation Society of Newport County Mansions are closed through the end of April, perhaps longer.
▪ The National Museum of American Illustration (492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) is closed for renovations. Re-opening date TBA.
▪ Rough Point is closed for the season, re-opening TBA.
Despite the current closures from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, literally “going viral,” Newport’s stalwart workforce of tour guides, greeters, restaurant and hotel workers, trolley and taxi drivers, boat and harbor cruise captains, and others are preparing now for the day when this crisis passes and we get back to welcoming our millions of visitors and guests.
TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK ▪ ALWAYS BE UP TO DATE
Now more than ever, you must stay abreast of current activities and events happening each week in the City-by-the-Sea. As one of the key ambassadors for Newport, people will pepper you constantly with questions about the polo matches, the flower show, trolley schedules, and a hundred other places and special events happening all over the greater Newport area.
The world has gotten a bit more complex over the past three months of this Covid-19 crisis. In addition to knowing all the current events, you are now also expected to know who is open, who is closed, and when, for shopping, tours, and dining.
Keep up to date and help our visitors and guests take advantage and enjoy all that Newport has to offer them.
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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
America’s historic sites are irreplaceable.
From icons of architecture to birthplaces of activists,
historic sites are physical reminders of the diversity of
our experiences and the history we share.
They can celebrate our triumphs.
Or challenge us to confront the harsh realities of our past.
But America’s historic places can’t be replaced
once they are destroyed.
-National Trust for Historic Preservation
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NEWPORT JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ▪ BEGIN YOUR SEARCH HERE!
TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF
JOBS in the AGE OF CORONAVIRUS
Our state’s Governor has ordered a continuing quarantine and closure of businesses now through May 8th. It may continue after that date as well, but we are all in a wait and see what happens next.
At this point, no one knows the future of the 2020 tourism season and the job prospects for all those who serve as tour guides, ambassadors, and greeters in Newport. We must assume (and believe) that this crisis, like others before, will end and we’ll return to welcoming the world to Newport.
The following job openings were posted over the past 30+ days related to our industry. It is still worthwhile to check in with these employers for the day when this virus is under control and we finally return to some sort of normal life.
- 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. Several other job openings also available. More information: newportmansions.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
- 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
- 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
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.
Cruise Ship Season 2020 ▪ Stand By for Updates
If you want a job with the land-based tour companies greeting cruise ship passengers, you’ll have to check in with the companies for updates on whether the cruise ships will be operating, and which ships will be arriving here and when. We’ll provide updates here as soon they become available.
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. Call ahead for hours and open days. Info: 401/856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org
DAILY – BREAKERS INTERPRETIVE TOURS – 9:00 AM – Postponed Until Further Notice
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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TENTATIVE SCHEDULES – ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
APRIL & MAY 2020 ▪ TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 – NEWPORT GALLERY NIGHT – 5:00-8:00 PM — CANCELLED
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 — CANCELLED
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.
APRIL 18-24, 2020 – NEWPORT ARBORETUM WEEK – NEWPORT ELKS LODGE – 7:00 PM — CANCELLED
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 – CANCELLED
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 – EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED
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 — CANCELLED
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. Call for Info at: redwoodlibrary.org or phone 401/847-0292.
APRIL 24 & 25, 2020 – NEWPORT CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL – NEWPORT — POSTPONED
Call for Info: newportcraftbeer.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 – DAFFODIL DAYS FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONIES – CANCELLED
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 – CANCELLED!
Cancellation notice was received for The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) and partners’ Back to the Future, Rhode Island’s 35th Annual Historic Preservation Conference, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020. This conference will be re-scheduled for April 2021. Stay tuned for further updates.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 — DAFFY DELIRIUM! – THE CHANLER — 6:00 – 7:30 PM — CANCELLED
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 ▪ CANCELLED 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 – TBD
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 — TBD
Annual festival in celebration of the oyster. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. Info: 401/849-2243; bowenswharf.com
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
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 – SUMMER RE-OPENING OF CHEPSTOW, HUNTER HOUSE, ISAAC BELL HOUSE & KINGSCOTE
Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
THURSDAY, JULY 23 – 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY – ROSECLIFF – 6PM
The Preservation Society of Newport County will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with former and current tour guides and other employees with a picnic on the grounds of Rosecliff on Thursday, July 23 at 6 pm. All current and past employees of the PSNC are cordially invited. Need more info? Contact Beverly Ware at events@newportmansions.org.
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.
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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).