From Opera to Doo-Wop to Jazz, African-American artists have contributed enormously to Rhode Island’s musical heritage. As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we’re introducing you to a […]
History
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Black History Month Newport: Places of Worship
Special to What’s Up Newp | The following was written by Keith Stokes. This story was originally published on Feb. 9, 2020. Persons of African heritage have lived, worked and […]
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Black History Month – Dr. Harriet Alleyne Rice: A native Newport Black History heroine that is largely unknown in the city of her birth
The following was written for What’s Up Newp by Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group. This story was originally published on Feb. 11 ,2021. A native Newport Black […]
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Black History Month: The origins of Newport’s African Heritage Tennis Club
By Keith Stokes, special to What’s Up Newp. Originally published on Feb. 18, 2021 “If there was a watering-place in America where respectable, refined, and well-bearing-colored ladies and gentlemen have […]
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Black History Month: African Heritage Entrepreneurs in Gilded Age Newport – Andrew J. Tabb
Special to What’s Up Newp | The following was written by Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group. This story was originally published on Feb. 1, 2021. While Newport […]
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Black History Month Newport: A look at 19th century black-owned businesses, business owners
February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, an annual time to celebrate the achievements, and a time for recognizing the central role, of African Americans […]
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50 essential civil rights speeches
Activists, athletes, actors, and preachers with sometimes-fiery presentation skills are just a few of the people who’ve communicated the message of civil rights to the masses. When many people think […]
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Black history from the year you were born
Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and reflecting on the experiences of African Americans. What began as a week in 1926 has blossomed into 28 days of […]
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Black History Month – People, Places & Events: Remembering a group of 19th and 20th Century African Heritage Leaders in Newport
February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, an annual time to celebrate the achievements, and a time for recognizing the central role, of African Americans […]
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Biggest snowfalls recorded in Rhode Island history
Almost everyone who lives in areas prone to snow seems to have a legendary snowstorm story: the blizzard of ’78, the Storm of the Century, any of the blizzards or […]
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Presidents Day: Ten facts everyone should know (but probably doesn’t) about President George Washington
On the third Monday in February, the nation honors its first President, George Washington, born on February 22, 1732. A revered leader who was the only political independent to hold the office, […]
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This Day In History: January 19th, 1996, North Cape Oil Spill
On January 19, 1996, the worst oil spill in Rhode Island history occurred when the tank barge, North Cape, and the tugboat, Scandia, grounded off Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown. […]
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This Day in RI History: January 19, 1924 – Nicholas Colasanto is born in Providence
Actor Nicholas Colsanto was born on January 19, 1924, in Providence, RI. He enjoyed a long career in Hollywood and is best known for his role as “Coach” on the […]
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The most popular book the year you were born
There is nothing quite like settling into a book you love. But finding a real page-turner can be challenging and has only gotten more difficult as of late, as the […]
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Fun, Interesting, Famous and Memorable Quotes About Newport, Rhode Island
{Photo via Frank G. Harris (1885)/Wikimedia Commons} Newport, RI has inspired many writers, celebrities, musicians and creative minds over the last several hundred years. While there’s never any shortage of things to say […]
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Reflections on Martin Luther King Day 2023
“The time is always right to do what is right.” I began Kindergarten in the Fall of 1968 at what was then the newly renamed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. […]
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Built Before 1765: Oldest buildings in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport has the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation, the What’sUpNewp crew started this project as a list of the “Top 10 oldest houses in Newport”. It wasn’t […]
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18 famous actors and actresses that have ties to Newport
Newport has a long history of socialites, presidents, celebrities and famous people visiting, filming and sailing in The City By The Sea. Today we take a look at the actors, actresses […]
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Five fun facts about each of Newport’s oldest and most historic churches
If you thought the City of Newport had a long history, you should spend some time reading up on each and every church, congregation, parish and religious meeting place. The […]
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Discovering the history of Newport: A guide to the city’s street names and landmarks
Photo: Boston Public Library, Norman B. Leventhal Map Center The streets and landmarks of Newport are filled with stories from over 300 years of history. From the founders and heroes to […]
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40+ fun facts you might not know about Newport
Newport has a long history filled with firsts and unique accomplishments. From its early days as a colonial capital to its modern-day status as a cultural hub, Newport has always […]
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“Twas The Night Before Christmas” and its ties to Newport
Photo Credit: oddthingsiveseen.com – Did you know that one of the most popular and well-known Christmas poems, “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, has ties to Newport? “Twas the night before Christmas” was […]
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On This Day – Dec. 22, 1806: William Vernon, First Secretary of the Navy dies in Newport
A distinguished citizen and prosperous merchant of Newport, William Vernon born January 17, 1719, used his vast experience in seafaring activities to orchestrate the building and equipping of vessels for […]
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This Day In Newport History: Sunny von Bulow is Found Comatose on December 22, 1980
Pictured: Clarendon Court via Zillow Martha Sharp Crawford von Bülow, known as Sunny von Bülow was an American heiress and socialite. On June 6, 1966, Sunny married Claus von Bülow, a former aide to oilman […]
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On This Day – Dec. 15, 1780: French Admiral Charles-Louis D’Arsac Chevalier de Ternay dies at Hunter House
Admiral Charles-Louis D’Arsac Chevalier de Ternay, born in Angers, France 1723, was in command of the French Navy, who transported the army of Lieutenant General Rochambeau, commander of the French […]