People

Doris Duke was one of the most philanthropic individuals of her time. She was a tobacco heiress, a preservationist, and a philanthropist.

She lived her life on her own terms. Born into wealth and privilege, she utilized her resources to steward causes she cared about and to support cultural influencers, artists, activists, and change-makers. Her lasting legacy includes her support of intangible cultural heritage, urban economic development through historic preservation, and environmental sustainability.

While she had many homes, Newport remained a special place for her. Her founding of the Newport Restoration Foundation over 50 years ago shaped the way people live in, work in, and visit the city today. Today, Rough Point—her Newport home—is open to the public as a space to learn about her life and legacy and engage with the causes she cared about and continue to impact many of our lives.