Preservation Society of Newport County facts for kids
Preservation Society Headquarters, Osgood-Pell House
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| Founded | 1945 |
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| Founder | Katherine Warren |
| Type | non-profit |
| Purpose | Preserve a collection of historic house museums in Newport County |
| Headquarters | Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island |
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Region served
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Newport County, Rhode Island |
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CEO & Executive Director
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Trudy Coxe |
The Preservation Society of Newport County is a special group in Newport, Rhode Island. It is a non-profit organization, which means it works for a good cause, not to make money. This group is the biggest and most visited cultural organization in Rhode Island.
Its main job is to protect the old and beautiful buildings in Newport County. Many of these buildings are in the Bellevue Avenue Historic District. Seven of the 14 historic places and gardens it cares for are called National Historic Landmarks. This means they are very important to the history of the United States. Most of these places are open for everyone to visit.
The Preservation Society has also shared concerns about offshore wind farms in Rhode Island. They believe these wind farms might spoil the beautiful views and affect historic sites.
How the Society Started
The Preservation Society of Newport County began in 1945. A group of people from Newport, led by Katherine and George Warren, wanted to save Hunter House. They wanted to stop it from being torn down.
At first, they were called the Georgian Society. Later, they changed their name to the Preservation Society of Newport County. In 1978, a woman named Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt left a large sum of money to the society. This helped them continue their important work.
Amazing Historic Homes and Gardens
The Preservation Society takes care of many incredible historic homes and gardens. These places let visitors step back in time and see how people lived long ago. Many of these buildings are famous for their grand size and beautiful designs.
Some of the most well-known places you can visit include:
- The Breakers: This is the largest mansion the Society looks after. It was built in 1895 and looks like a grand Italian palace.
- Chateau-sur-Mer: Built in 1852, this house was remodeled in the 1870s. It shows off different styles of architecture.
- The Elms: This mansion was finished in 1901. It has a classic, elegant design.
- Green Animals Topiary Garden: This is a unique garden with plants shaped into amazing animal figures. It started around 1860.
- Hunter House: This house was built between 1748 and 1754. It is a great example of Georgian style architecture.
- Marble House: Completed in 1892, this mansion is known for its beautiful marble and grand design.
- Rosecliff: Built in 1902, Rosecliff has a stunning French Baroque Revival style.
These homes and gardens offer a glimpse into the past. They show the history and art of different time periods.
Past Properties
The Society has also helped to save other important places that are now privately owned.
- Malbone Castle: This castle was built in 1849. It was given to the Society in 1978. Later, it was sold and is now a private home.
- White Horse Tavern: This tavern was built between 1652 and 1673. The Society helped restore it in 1952. Today, it is a privately owned restaurant.
Images for kids
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Arnold Burying Ground sign
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The Breakers mansion
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Chateau-sur-Mer
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Chepstow mansion
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The Elms
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Green Animals Topiary Garden
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Hunter House
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Isaac Bell House
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Kingscote mansion
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Marble House
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Rosecliff
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Malbone Castle
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White Horse Tavern
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