Spring is here, and the Newport Restoration Foundation is ready to begin yet another exciting season. NRF’s three museums: Rough Point Museum, Whitehorne House Museum, and Prescott Farm will offer a variety of free and ticketed programs for all ages and interests. Please mark your calendars for upcoming special events including:
Ask a Gardener
Rough Point
April 27, May 25, June 29 / 11:00-11:30 am
Free with house or grounds admission
Tour the Rough Point grounds in the company of experts – once a month our estate gardeners share their expertise on a range of topics from plant identification to organic garden care. Get insider tips about how the Rough Point staff keep the grounds looking lush and how to incorporate those practices in your own home garden. This event is free with house or grounds admission.
Second Sundays: Touch Tank with Save the Bay
Prescott Farm
May 12 / 12:00-3:00 pm / Free
Community comes together to enjoy the largest public open space on Aquidneck Island. Each month NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm. Explore the nature trails with our guest guides, chat up URI’s Master Gardeners, or climb inside the historic windmill – themes, guests, and activities change monthly! For our May event, Save the Bay brings their Traveling Touch Tank!
Stone Wall Workshop
Prescott Farm
June 1 / 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Registration: $40; advance purchase required. Space limited.
Learn the art of traditional stone wall construction and repair from the experts. Join master class instructors Chris and Dan Smith for their sixteenth year leading this hands-on workshop. Great for owners of historic properties in New England who have their own stone wall projects, or for anyone interested in the history and craft of stone walls.
Second Sundays: Bird Walking & Watching at the Farm
Prescott Farm
June 9 / 12:00-3:00 pm / Free
Community comes together to enjoy the largest public open space on Aquidneck Island. Each month NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm. Explore the nature trails with our guest guides, chat up URI’s Master Gardeners, or climb inside the historic windmill – themes, guests, and activities change monthly! Bird Walking & Watching at the Farm will be June’s theme.
The Myth & Mystique of Doris Duke’s Cultural Curiosity
Rough Point
June 13 / 5:00-7:00 pm
Tickets: $15
Gospel singing, belly-dancing, longboard surfing – Doris took up each of these hobbies by turn and moved on just as quickly. What prompted her interest? Was she welcomed in these communities? And what sort of legacy did she leave behind? This discussion-based program will take a closer look.
Newport County Free Days
Rough Point & Whitehorne House Museum
June 15 & 16 / 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Free to all Newport County residents with ID
Have you lived in Newport your whole life and always wondered what went on at Doris Duke’s place? Now’s your chance! Residents of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, Jamestown, Tiverton, and Little Compton are invited to roam around Rough Point and enjoy one of the best views in Newport. Whitehorne House Museum will also be open free to Newport County residents 10:00 am – 4:00 pm through the weekend.
Details Matter: Making Furniture Microscopic
Rough Point
June 18 / 5:00-7:00 pm
Tickets: $15
What happens when a dovetail joint shrinks down to a few thousands of an inch? Miniatures artist Bill Robertson shares the stories and secrets of his 42-year career building tiny objects inspired by historic interiors, furniture, and decorative arts. His unique approach brings the Townsends and Goddards into the 21st century.
For more information on events and to purchase tickets, visit www.newportrestoration.org/events.
