The Newport Historical Society celebrated record-high program participation at its 2025 annual meeting on Thursday, announcing it has reached more than 24,000 people through its initiatives this year.
The organization has hosted 24 programs, conducted 207 tours, and facilitated more than 350 research engagements so far in 2025.
“The reach of the Newport Historical Society is impressive. From neighbors exploring genealogy or home histories, to tourists fascinated by local landmarks, to teachers engaging students through the history in our backyards, we continue to reach into the community and make history more accessible to all,” said Executive Director Rebecca Bertrand. “Across our programs and properties, the NHS is stronger, more vibrant, and more active than ever before and we look forward to building on that momentum as we look ahead to an exciting 2026.”
The annual French in Newport event drew 2,250 guests this year, marking the largest single-day attendance in organizational history. The event is expected to expand next year to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Other key programs driving engagement included ongoing Tavern Talks, the annual Newport Show and two exhibitions: “Raise the Alarm: Newport’s Fire Department through the Decades” and “Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On?”
The NHS also gained 112 new members and 192 first-time donors this year. The organization recently received national recognition, including a Leadership in History Award from the Association for State and Local History and the Excellence in Education Award from the National Park Service.
At the meeting, the board voted to welcome Helen Burnham, Leslie B. Hull and Sandra Peterson as new directors. Officers were reelected: Douglas Newhouse as president, Dwight Sipprelle as vice president, Nancy Brickley as treasurer and Anne F. Hamilton as secretary. Pam Kelley will cycle off the board.
Bertrand and Dr. Akeia de Barros Gomes, director of the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History, provided updates on programs and preservation. The center is scheduled to open in June 2026.
For more information, visit www.NewportHistory.org.
