Newport Historical Society facts for kids
| Founded | 1854 |
|---|---|
| Type | non-profit |
| Purpose | Collect, document and preserve Newport’s unique contribution to our national narrative over the course of five centuries. |
| Headquarters | Newport, Rhode Island |
The Newport Historical Society is a special group in Newport, Rhode Island. It was officially started in 1854. Its main job is to collect and keep old books, letters, and items. These things all help tell the story of Newport's past.
Contents
What is the Newport Historical Society?
A historical society is like a museum and a library combined. It helps people learn about the past. The Newport Historical Society focuses on the history of Newport. It makes sure important stories and objects are saved for future generations.
How Did the Society Begin?
Even though the society officially started in 1854, its collections are much older. They began about 30 years before that. They were part of the "Southern Cabinet" of the Rhode Island Historical Society. That group started in 1822.
By 1853, some important people in Newport felt they needed their own group. They wanted to focus only on Newport's history. So, the collections from the Southern Cabinet became part of the new Newport Historical Society.
The Society's Buildings and Growth
In 1902, work began on a new brick library building. It was built at 82 Touro Street. This new building was connected to the Sabbatarian Meeting House. The society had bought this meeting house from the Seventh Day Baptists.
The new building gave the society office space. It also had a fireproof vault for old documents. Plus, it had a large library. In 1915, the meeting house was moved to the back of the property. A new three-story brick building was built between the library and the meeting house. The meeting house was also updated. It got brick on the outside, a slate roof, and steel shutters. This helped protect it from weather and fire.
What Can You Find There?
The society often changes its exhibits. These shows display different parts of Newport's history. They have many old items, like colonial silver and china. You can also see portraits and ship models. There are over 200,000 old photographs too!
If you want to do research, they have a huge archive. This includes the very first town records. They also have old business books and church records. The library has the second-largest collection of family history records in Rhode Island. You can also take walking tours that start from the Museum of Newport History.
Important Historic Properties
The Newport Historical Society helps take care of several very old buildings in Newport. These buildings are important parts of the city's history.
- The Richard I. Burnham Resource Center: This is the main library building. It was built around 1902.
- Brick Market: This building was built in 1762. It was designed by Peter Harrison. Today, it is the Museum of Newport History.
- Wanton–Lyman–Hazard House: This is one of the oldest houses in Newport. It was built around 1697. It shows what homes looked like long ago.
- Great Friends Meeting House: Built in 1699, this was an important meeting place. It is a very old example of a Quaker meeting house.
- Old Colony House: This large building was constructed between 1736 and 1739. It was designed by Richard Munday. It served as a government building for a long time.
What Collections Does the Society Have?
The Newport Historical Society has many different types of collections. They help tell the story of Newport through various items and documents.
Museum Collections
This part includes all the physical objects. These are things like old furniture, tools, clothing, and art. They show how people lived and worked in Newport long ago.
Photographs and Graphics Collections
This collection holds thousands of old photos, drawings, and maps. These images help us see what Newport looked like in the past. They show people, buildings, and events.
Library Collections
The library has many books, newspapers, and other printed materials. It's a great place to research Newport's history.
Special Library Collections
The library also has unique collections of original documents. These are very valuable for understanding the past.
- Business Records: Old ledgers and papers from Newport businesses.
- Maritime Records: Documents about ships, sailors, and Newport's history as a port.
- Church Records: Information from local churches, including births, deaths, and marriages.
- Family Papers: Letters, diaries, and other documents from Newport families.
- Diaries and Journals: Personal writings that give a glimpse into daily life.
- African-American History: Records related to the lives and experiences of African Americans in Newport.
- Municipal Records: Official documents from the town government.
- Other Collections: Many other unique items that don't fit into the main groups.
See also
- List of libraries in Rhode Island
