The Newport Historical Society’s French in Newport–a living history weekend featuring reenactments, exhibits, and free family fun–will return to Washington Square on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14.
Visitors can explore the role of French soldiers and sailors who fought for America’s independence and enjoy exciting learning opportunities like fife and drum corps performances, tea tasting, silhouette art, and more.
Newport Historical Society says in a press release that visitors can also be among the first to view a special new exhibit: “Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic” produced by the American Revolution Institute of the Society of Cincinnati, telling the story of the Marquis de Lafayette’s time in America.
Free programming is provided by the Newport Historical Society in collaboration with the National Park Service Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail.
“More than 12,000 French soldiers and sailors became an important part of the Newport community as our nation fought for its independence,” said Rebecca Bertrand, executive director of the Newport Historical Society. “Our French in Newport weekend will transport visitors back to 1780 to catch a glimpse of a day in the revolutionary lives of these French troops in the City by the Sea. Join us to learn local history, celebrate French culture, and enjoy beautiful Newport in the summertime.”
WHAT: French in Newport 2024
WHERE: Washington Square
Newport, RI
WHEN: July 13 and 14, 2024
Full Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 13
9:00 am – Rochambeau Commemoration Ceremony Presented by the Alliance Française of Newport | King Park, 125 Wellington Ave
11:00 am – Meet the Marquis de Lafayette | Washington Square
11:30am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm | Middlesex County Fife & Drum Corps Fife Concerts
1:00 pm – Rochambeau Proclamation | Washington Square
2:00 pm – An interview with the Marquis de Lafayette | Colony House
2:30 pm- Wreath Laying Ceremony on the Graves of the Fallen French Officers Presented by Le Souvenir Français | Trinity Churchyard, 141 Spring Street
3:00 pm – Ceremony to Commemorate the Franco-American Alliance In partnership with Alliance Française | Colony House
Ongoing Activities
Meet the French Military, Woodworking & Cider Demonstrations, Colonial Tea Tastings, Silhouette Portrait Making | Washington Square
Sunday, July 14
11:00 am – Rochambeau Rallies the Troops | Washington Square
1:00 pm – An Interview with Rochambeau| Colony House
2:00 pm – Outfitting an Officer: French Military Dress | Washington Square
3:00 pm – Rochambeau Bids Adieu | Washington Square
Ongoing Activities
Painting, Cider & Woodworking Demonstrations, Meet the French Military, Colonial Tea Tastings, Silhouette Portrait Making (family friendly icon)
Washington Square
To learn more about French in Newport, visit NewportHistory.org/Events.
Is there ample parking?