One of the worst ship disasters not involving enemy action took place off the coast of Newport on May 26th, 1954. USS Bennington, a 24 Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War […]
History
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: May 25, 1725 -Colonial Governor Samuel Ward born in Newport
Samuel Ward was an American farmer, politician, Supreme Court Justice, Governor of Rhode Island and a delegate to the Continental Congress. Born in Newport, he was the son of Rhode […]
Posted inHistory
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 […]
Tour of the Coddington Burial Ground
Architectural historian Ron Onorato will lead a walking tour of the oldest grounds in the state, the 17th and 18th century Coddington Burial Ground as well as two little known […]
Posted inRhode Island
On This Day in RI History – April 10, 1794: Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry born
On April 10th, 1794, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry was born in Rhode Island. A member of the Perry family naval dynasty and often called the ‘Father of the Steam Navy,’ […]
Posted inNews
This Day In History: March 25, 1947—Claudine Schneider, first woman elected from Rhode Island to House of Representatives is born
On March 25th, 1947 Claudine Schneider, the first woman elected from Rhode Island to the U.S. House of Representatives, was born. Elected in 1980, the political trailblazer also was the […]
Posted inNews
This Day in RI History: March 22, 1966, Martha McSally is born in Warwick
Former Arizona Senator Martha McSally was born on March 22, 1966 in Warwick, RI. She attended Bay View Academy and later received a B.S. in Biology from the United States […]
Posted inHistory
On This Day in History – March 9, 1774: Tornado on Nantucket
On March 9, 1774, a tornado or waterspout moved ashore in Nantucket Harbor and destroyed a lighthouse along with several barns and shops. The US National Weather Service Boston has […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: March 7, 1707 – Stephen Hopkins born in Providence
March 7, 1707, was the birthday of Stephen Hopkins, perhaps the most famous Rhode Islander from the colonial period. One of the most accomplished politicians in the state’s history, Hopkin’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Women’s History Month: Meet Miss Johnson and Miss Wales
Many women have played prominent roles in Rhode Island education, from teaching to founding what has now become a prominent university with campuses in Providence and North Carolina. As WUN […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
On This Day – Dec. 24, 1901: Newport-native Clarence King dies, was the first director of U.S. Geological Survey
Born in Newport on January 6, 1842, Clarence King, commonly referred to as “Clare”, was a fifth-generation Newporter. His father, James Rivers King, was involved in the family commerce of […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Newport
‘Twas the night before Christmas’ helped make the modern Santa – and led to a literary whodunit
Melissa Chim, General Theological Seminary The poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” better known by its opening line “‘Twas the Night before Christmas,” has a special place among Christmas traditions, […]
Posted inHistory
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 […]
Posted inHistory
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 […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Discover Colonial Newport
Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, $10 for NHS Members, $10 for Active […]
Newport History Walking Tours: Holiday Lantern Tour
Special Holiday Tour! Hear the history of early American holiday traditions on an evening walk. Learn how Newporters did, or didn’t, observe the holidays. $20 for adults, $8 for children […]