by NRF User | May 12, 2022 | NRF News
Over the past year, NRF has explored ways in which we can have an impact in promoting the historic trades as a career path. Our talented Preservation Crew, several who have worked for NRF over 30 years, are an integral part of our organization and care for over 70 historic properties in and around Newport. Tradespeople (carpenters, masons, metal workers, etc.) play a critical role in ensuring historic properties are carefully and properly preserved. Unfortunately, the current generation of skilled craftspeople are aging out of the field. Fifty-five percent of all properties in Newport are considered historic, and are always in need of repair. Without trained tradespeople, historic properties owned by NRF and other organizations cannot be maintained.
The mission of the Historic Trades Initiative is to perpetuate and diversify the historic trades by creating strong connections with our community and sharing our expertise. The Initiative was developed through conversations with other preservation organizations, workforce training companies, and the local contractor community. Its focus is to raise awareness and offer training opportunities to create a robust workforce of people who specialize in the preservation trades. Working with national organizations including the National Park Service and Campaign for Historic Trades, as well as local contractors, NRF will launch several programs in 2022.
- Tours through NRF properties and the carpentry mill for local tradespeople, vocational schools, and colleges to build awareness about our preservation initiatives.
- Summer carpentry internships for students enrolled in related trades programs such as boat building and furniture making. Students will gain an understanding of how those skills are transferrable to the preservation field.
- Upskill training program for individuals with basic carpentry or masonry skills who wish to specialize in preservation. Graduates will receive a certificate in the preservation trades from NRF.
- Job shadowing for local residents who are interested in the trades but who do not have formal training. NRF will facilitate job shadowing with various local contractors.
We look forward to sharing updates as these programs get underway. For people with basic carpentry skills who are interested in learning more about historic trades, we invite you to consider applying for our 12-week paid summer internship. More details and application information are available here.
By Kris Turgeon, Trades Initiative Manager, Newport Restoration Foundation
by NRF User | May 5, 2022 | NRF News
Keeping programming at Prescott Farm free. Providing in-person and virtual learning opportunities. Preserving important historic buildings along the streetscapes of Newport.
These are just a few of the activities that our dedicated Restoration Partners support with their ongoing, monthly gifts. By joining Restoration Partners, your monthly contribution is immediately directed toward NRF’s ongoing work to preserve Newport’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Will you help us meet our goal of welcoming 20 new monthly donors?
In honor of Preservation Month this May, we invite you to become part of this community of individuals who care deeply about protecting historic resources in Newport.
There are many advantages to joining the program. Your monthly gift is fully tax-deductible and automatically charged to your credit card or bank account. Partners receive periodic benefits and invitations to private events. We send a year-end tax statement outlining your cumulative giving.
Please visit our website at www.newportrestoration.org/donate to learn more about the program and to make your gift. Thank you for supporting NRF and for caring about preservation in Newport.
LEARN MORE
by NRF User | May 3, 2022 | NRF News
The annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, a joint program of the Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport, encourages excellence in historic preservation by recognizing exemplary preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation projects as well as education and advocacy initiatives that have taken place throughout Aquidneck Island. This year’s deadline for nominations is June 1, 2022.
Newport Restoration Foundation is calling upon the local community to nominate projects completed within the last three years that have truly enriched and added value to the character of the community through preservation. The winners will be acknowledged at an awards event on Friday, September 9, 2022 (event details to be announced). Please see below for award criteria and links to the nomination guidelines.
Award Criteria
- Eligible recipients are individuals; non-profit or for-profit organizations; and federal, state, or local agencies.
- A wide variety of nominations are encouraged, from small buildings to large, major rehabilitations to minor restorations, landscapes or streetscapes, and education or advocacy initiatives.
- All work related to the project or initiative must have been completed within the last three (3) years.
- Nominations are welcome from Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth.
- Properties that are currently (or anticipated to be) listed for sale will not be considered.
- Up to three (3) awards are made annually. The Nomination Review Committee reserves the right to designate additional awardees under extraordinary circumstances.
Further information about the nomination process, including a listing of the information that must be provided in conjunction with a nomination, can be found at newportrestoration.org/DDPA or by emailing Alyssa Lozupone, NRF’s Director of Preservation, at alyssa@newportrestoration.org.
by NRF User | May 1, 2022 | NRF News
May is Preservation Month. This year’s theme of “People Saving Places” gives us the opportunity to recognize the team who maintain one of the largest collections of period architecture owned by any single organization in the United States. The painting, carpentry, and systems teams have more than 180 years combined of experience and keep the 18th and early 19th century buildings intact for our tenant stewards. With such an extensive collection of historic properties, it’s no easy task. Some of our crew have been a part of NRF for decades, and some members have recently joined the organization to continue the legacy of preservation. This month, we look forward to introducing you to members of our team and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the maintenance of these historic structures. If you see them working around town, be sure to say hello!
You can help us maintain these historic places by becoming a Restoration Partner. As a Restoration Partner, your monthly contribution is immediately directed toward NRF’s ongoing work. Your monthly gift is fully tax-deductible and automatically charged to your credit card or bank account.
Please visit newportrestoration.org/donate to learn more about the program and to make your gift. Thank you for supporting NRF and preservation in Newport!
by NRF User | Apr 3, 2022 | NRF News
Whether you are looking for a perfect gift or are celebrating the coming of spring, check out what’s new at our museum store. Thank you for shopping local and supporting your favorite museums!
For lounging in style: Featuring custom patterns from Rough Point and Whitehorne House Museum, these super comfy and stylish lounge pants are ultra soft and come with handy front pockets. Perfect for being at home or on the go!
Doris Duke’s recently re-upholstered chaise lounge inspired us with its bold blossoms, birds, and butterflies pattern. Check out our new carry-all and yoga pants featuring this fabulous pattern.
Send a note through snail mail (or a #camelgram). Send a note to a friend or collect these postcards as prints!
For tea-enthusiasts: Featuring delicious flavors and custom patterns inspired by Rough Point and Whitehorne House Museum, this collection has everything you need for a fancy afternoon tea or for enjoying a cozy, relaxing cuppa.
These custom coasters protect surfaces from spills, work well with a cozy cup of tea, and make perfect gifts.
For journaling : Jot down your thoughts, record your dreams, decompress after a long day, make lists, or doodle away with these custom, themed journals. Now in the popular Floral Wallpaper pattern!
For those who know every day is Caturday: Named after Whitehorne House Museum’s honorary cat, Luna the onrament is a purrfect and festive addition to your home. And unlike the real Luna, this ornament is safe around holiday trees!
Get ready for spring: Don’t forget your gardener gloves—our collection now includes *new* Garden of Paradise arm saver gloves and our weeder gloves are now back in stock!
Cozy up with this soft, handmade Newport Blanket, named for the city of Newport. Perfect for a sunrise yoga session, gathering together for s’mores around a bonfire, getting comfy for a movie marathon, listening to a music festival, enjoying a good book in a grassy park, watching sunsets on the beach, and delicious picnics on summer days.
Inspired by Asia: The Collection: Inspired by the vibrant ceramics, gorgeously detailed fashion, and expertly crafted decorative arts on display at Rough Point? Want to discover more about East Asian craft and design and the Duke family’s collection? Check out these products curated in honor of this year’s special exhibition, Inspired by Asia: Highlights from the Duke Family Collection.
We will be adding new custom products throughout the spring, so stay in touch and follow updates to our new collection here: https://shopnewportrestoration.org/collections/new-in-2022
Standard shipping is free with purchases of $35 or more. We now giftwrap as well: Take the stress out of gift-giving. Select the giftwrapping option to have your gifts be beautifully wrapped in paper featuring hand-drawn illustrations and patterning.
by NRF User | Mar 14, 2022 | NRF News
This April, nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island are participating in the statewide giving day known as #401Gives. Starting at midnight on April 1, you can visit 401Gives.org and donate to NRF, or to one or more of the many participating nonprofits in the Rhode Island community. We are grateful to our many donors and friends who supported NRF over the past two years through this important day of giving.
What is 401Gives?
401Gives is an initiative of United Way of Rhode Island. Now in its third year, the purpose is to bring a collective voice to Rhode Island’s nonprofit community and deepen the state’s culture of philanthropy. In 2021, Rhode Islanders made history by contributing close to $2.3 million dollars to benefit 422 nonprofits.
As a local nonprofit organization, NRF is proud to participate in 401Gives as a way to educate our neighbors on the wide range of activities we engage in within our community, our state, and beyond. Many of the programs and experiences we offer are possible thanks to you – our generous neighbors and friends on Aquidneck Island – and those statewide who visit our museum properties annually.
How can you make a difference on 401Gives Day?
Whether you decide to make a gift to NRF on April 1, or another organization, we hope you will participate if you’re able.
- Visit 401Gives and search for NRF!
- Check out NRF’s microsite to learn more about what we do and to make your gift.
- Like and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram to spread the word to others who can join the 401Gives movement and support local nonprofits
Questions? Comments?
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Alicia Cipriano, Manager of Development and Donor Relations, at 401-849-7300, Ext. 117.
Thank you in advance for your generosity, for participating in this greater community effort, and for caring about the well-being of all Rhode Islanders!
