George Wein, the iconic producer of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, was born on October 3rd, 1925, meaning he turns 93 years young today. George Wein is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals. Through his company, Festival Productions, he has spearheaded hundreds of music events since 1954 when he […]
History
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MLK’s vision matters today for the 43 million Americans living in poverty
This article was originally published on The Conversation, it has been republished with permission. On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, while fighting for a 10-cent wage increase for garbage workers. These efforts by King were part of a broader and more sustained initiative known as the Poor People’s Campaign. King was working […]
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Newport County Branch of NAACP to commemorate 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination
NAACP, Newport County Branch is hosting a Commemoration Ceremony on the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport on April 4. Branch members will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Branch office at 72 E Dr. Marcus F. […]
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10 things to know about the real St. Patrick
Lisa Bitel, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences On March 17, people around the world will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by parading in green hats, sporting images of shamrocks and leprechauns – tiny, grinning, fairy men – pinned to their lapels. Patrick’s picture will adorn greeting cards: an aged, bearded bishop in flowing […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, Things To Do
Meet an 18th Century Doctor: Newport Historical Society to host a living history talk with Dr. Hunter
Newport is a city known for firsts. Between 1755-1756 the first anatomical and surgical lectures in the Colonies were presented by Dr. William Hunter at the Colony House. On Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 5:30 pm, the Newport Historical Society will recreate aspects of Dr. Hunter’s talk when they host an 18th-century medical lecture. Dr. Hunter, […]
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Podcast: A conversation with Ruth Taylor, Executive Director of Newport Historical Society
Since 1854, the Newport Historical Society has collected and preserved five centuries of history and continues to document Newport’s unique contribution to our national narrative. Ruth Taylor, Executive Director of Newport Historical Society, joined me on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK today to chat about all that’s happening, new and to do with the multi-faceted history-based […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, Things To Do
Holiday Happenings for the Newport Historical Society’s Museum of Newport History Shop
The Newport Historical Society announces the opening of its webstore www.shopnewporthistory.com which launched November 3, 2017, upcoming holiday happenings, and its participation in the first annual international Museum Store Sunday on November 26, 2017. Online Store The Newport Historical Society is excited to offer patrons all over the world an opportunity to purchase unique and inspired gifts, while supporting the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History
Replica of Volume of Newport’s African Union Society Records Produced
The Newport Historical Society has announced that they have worked with local bookbinder James Currier to produce a replica of a volume of 18th-century records from Newport’s African Union Society. The African Union Society (AUS) was formed in 1780 by free African Americans seeking to create a mutual aid organization to benefit its members, according […]
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‘Encountering Wonders’ exhibition to feature natural and virtual galleries of curious Newport artifacts
A collection of historic and curious Newport artifacts displayed in both natural and virtual environments will be featured in a public exhibition at Salve Regina’s Dorrance Hamilton Gallery from Nov. 9-21. The multi-media exhibition, “Encountering Wonders: A Virtual Cabinet of Curiosities from Newport Collections,” will open with a public reception from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the gallery, […]
Posted inFood & Drink, History
OpenTable unveils ’13 Spookiest Restaurants’, White Horse Tavern lands on the list
OpenTable today announced the 13 Spookiest Restaurants in America. Spanning from coast-to-coast, each of these restaurants denotes a wide variety of cuisine and culture, served with a side of fun and fright. In the spirit of the season, these restaurants pay homage to their histories and haunted pasts with delicious seasonal fare and ample storytelling. […]
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Author Don Hagist will host discussion in Newport on October 19th
In December of 1776, a large British military force established a post in Rhode Island, headquartered in Newport. Throughout 1777, the soldiers and sailors who had come to drive out “rebels” settled into a tense coexistence with an independence-minded civilian population that loathed their presence. On Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 5:30 pm, join author Don Hagist […]
Posted inHealth & Fitness, History, Things To Do
Naval War College to host World War I period-accurate baseball game between Army-Navy at Cardines Field
The Naval War College has announced that they will host a period-accurate baseball game between Army-Navy on Friday, September 29th at Cardines Field in downtown Newport. The program is designed as “a fun event” with educational programming to mark the centennial of American involvement in World War I, and is being organized in close collaboration […]
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Newport Historical Society to host ‘Cider in 18th Century Newport: A History Space Event’ on September 23
On Saturday, September 23, 2017, join the Newport Historical Society for “Cider in 18th Century Newport: A History Space Event.” This free, interactive program features cider press demonstrations from expert Chris Hurley from 10 am-2 pm and the specialty walking tour “Rum and Revolution” at 11 am. Peek inside the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and learn about life in 18th century Newport. Hear Chris […]
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7 Newport museums collaborate on ’36 Hours in Newport’, a new tourism marketing site
36 Hours in Newport RI is enough time to see museums, go swimming or boating, sleep in luxury and eat very well. It is also the name of a new website, 36HoursInNewportRI.com, offering free promotion of Newport and Bristol County events, activities, businesses, attractions, eateries, artisans, musicians, tour providers, arts and entertainment – just about anyone who […]
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On This Day In Newport History: Nation’s First Jail Sentence For Speeding Handed Down
On August 28, 1904, the nation’s first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile was handed down in Newport, RI. Judge Darius Baker imposed the offender to a sentence of five days for traveling at 15 miles per hour. A jail term was especially harsh because automobile traffic laws were still new. Although laws against galloping […]
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Cities across the nation are considering removing Christopher Columbus statues, should Newport?
The recent violence in Charlottesville, racial tension across the nation and the current state of national politics has ignited (or reignited) a debate in State Houses, City Halls, Town Halls and in neighborhoods across the United States about monuments in local communities.Confederate-era and other controversial figures New York City, Buffalo, San Jose, San Francisco, Detroit and several […]
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Fort Adams Trust will host Civil War Reenactment this weekend
On Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th the Fort Adams Trust will host a Civil War Living History Reenactment within the walls of Historic Fort Adams. This two-day event includes Civil War living history activities bringing the sights and sounds of the Civil War to Newport. Events will begin at 9 a.m. on both days and include reenactors […]
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Annual Reading of George Washington’s Letter at Touro Synagogue Set for August 20th
The annual reading of George Washington’s historic letter “To the Hebrew Congregation at Newport” will take place on Sunday, August 20th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Touro Synagogue. The letter, which honors American’s precious freedoms and religious tolerance, continues to be lauded and commemorated as possibly having the greatest impact on America and American Jewry. Light […]
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Revolutionary War Re-Enactment To Be Held in Downtown Newport on August 26th
On the afternoon of August 26, 2017, from noon to 5 pm, the Newport Historical Society will host its largest re-enactment yet—a British invasion inspired by events from the summer of 1777. The multi part program will feature something for everyone: re-enactment scenarios, a walking tour with rum tasting, and a family-friendly Spy Challenge. The British Occupation […]
Posted inCity & Government, History
Representative Carson to host Constituent Meeting at Artillery Company on August 8th
Representative Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) has announced that she will hold her summer constituent meeting on Tuesday, August 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Artillery Company of Newport. “I enjoy holding constituent meetings throughout the year as a means for gathering ideas for my work at the State House, and as a way to inform myself […]
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Re-Live Jackie & JFK’s Newport Wedding at St. Mary’s Church
Each Tuesday at 3 pm, beginning July 11 and continuing through October 2017, one can now re-live that special day of September 12, 1953, when Jacqueline Bouvier married then Senator John F. Kennedy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Spring Street in Newport. The Return to Camelot presentation features vintage film clips and a live performance of the music and hymns of […]
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Newport Historical Society’s Largest Reenactment to Date Will Focus on 1777 British Occupation
The Redcoats are coming! The Newport Historical Society invites the public to join them on Saturday, August 26, 2017, from noon until 5 pm for its largest reenactment to date, the 1777 British Occupation. During this free program, over 75 costumed interpreters will recreate aspects of life during the summer of 1777 in the heart of Newport’s Old Quarter. […]
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Step Into Revolutionary History with the Newport Historical Society on July 15th
Newport Historical Society invites the public to join them for “Newport in 1777: A History Space Event” on Saturday, July 15th, an event that will focus on life during the British army and navy’s presence in the city during the American Revolution, and feature the period artisanship of leather working expert Roy Najecki. Leather was […]
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Annapolis to Host Next Edition of ‘Keeping History Above Water’
The Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Annapolis have announced that the official program for the second Keeping History Above Water conference has been finalized to take place on October 29 – November 1, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. The City of Annapolis will be hosting this The City of Annapolis will be hosting this […]
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Portsmouth Author Publishes History Book, ‘The Ships from Field’s Point’
The Ships from Field’s Point, a new book by C. Roger Wallin, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. The Ships from Field’s Point commemorates an episode of local and regional history that occurred during World War II. At that time, an emergency shipyard was established in a waterfront neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. […]