The Newport Restoration Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and social heritage of Newport, Rhode Island. It operates three museum properties, including two public parks, and owns over 80 historic buildings. Founded in 1968 by Doris Duke, the Newport Restoration Foundation invests in traditional building trades and promotes the architectural heritage of the Newport community. Since the foundation’s inception, it has helped preserve one of the largest portfolios of historic architecture in the United States.
One of the foundation’s most important undertakings has been to assemble and maintain a set of museums on Aquidneck Island. This includes the Rough Point Museum, which offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and features an extensive collection of fine arts. In addition to this, the Whitehorne House Museum, which has been in operation since 1966, displays a selection of 18th-century Newport furniture.
On the other hand, the Rough Point Museum is a full-scale mansion and museum, complete with a massive collection of European art. Visitors can take advantage of the museum’s self-guided tour or enjoy a virtual tour. If they’re lucky, visitors might also have the chance to see the former home of Doris Duke, the museum’s namesake.
As you can imagine, a number of Newport’s historic structures are some of the city’s most prized possessions. One of the more notable landmarks of the area is the William Vernon House, which was built in the late 17th century and served as the headquarters of General Rochambeau during the American Revolutionary War. Other noteworthy structures include the Newport Colony House, which was one of the first statehouses in the country.
Some of the other things to look out for at the Rough Point Museum are the extensive collection of fine art on display, the fact that the museum is situated on 40 acres of historic greenspace, and the fact that it’s located in a spot that boasts the best views in Newport. Additionally, the Rough Point Museum has a well-rounded selection of educational programs that are available to the public, making it a great family outing.
Despite the many attractions that the Rough Point Museum has to offer, the Newport Restoration Foundation has a number of other buildings that are worth exploring. For instance, the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, which was built in 1697, is a significant example of Georgian architecture. Also, the Whitehorne House Museum, which is a small but fascinating structure that’s been in operation since 1966, features a collection of 18th-century Newport furniture and boasts a woodworking demonstration by renowned woodcarver Mary May. Finally, the Newport Colony House, which was constructed as part of a formal town planning movement in Newport in the 1730s, is a National Historic Landmark.
In the end, the Newport Restoration Foundation is just another 501(c)(3) private nonprofit foundation that helps the community of Newport, Rhode Island and its residents by investing in the traditional building trades, promoting the architectural heritage of the city, and preserving the most impressive of all the city’s illustrious buildings.