The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Newport Historical Society

Newport Historical Society

Explore Newport's rich history through engaging walking tours, showcasing its colonial past and cultural legacy, including a future Center for Black History.

OUR EXPERIENCES
At the Newport Historical Society, we offer a wide range of walking tours that explore the unique history of Newport, RI. From Newport's founding in 1639 to 20th-century culture and events, our tours have a topic to fit your historical curiosities!

ABOUT US
Founded in 1854, the purpose of the Newport Historical Society is to collect, document and preserve Newport’s unique contribution to our national narrative over the course of five centuries. Our continuing mission is to chronicle, advocate for the importance of, and communicate this history to a broad audience, so that knowledge of our past will contribute to a deeper understanding of the present and better preparation for the future.

OUR IMPACT
The Newport Historical Society is transforming the c. 1697 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, one of the oldest homes in Newport, into a Center for Black History. The Center, set to open in the summer of 2026, will illuminate the role of Newport in the colonial, national and international Transatlantic slave trade and explore the legacy of that history today. Honoring the humanity and agency of those who were enslaved, the Center will highlight the lives and creativity of the enslaved and the legacy of Black Newporters, their contributions, their resistance and freedom-making, and their creativity in contributing to our city's rich culture both in the past and today. To learn more visit: voices.newporthistory.org.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: membership@newporthistory.org

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1-20

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Prebooking is not required but is available

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
The Museum of Newport History & Shop is open daily from 10 am to 4pm. The Richard I. Burnham Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
The resource center is fully handicapped accessible, the remaining properties can be accessed with a portable ramp. Please reach out to Newport Historical Society Staff for more information on accessibility.