History Tours 06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2006

Contact: Morgan Devlin

Newport Restoration Foundation

401-849-7300 x14

A Second Season of Newport History Tours Begin Today

(Newport, RI) Tourists and locals will learn about colonial history when they join the Newport History Tours, an interactive learning experience on foot. Newport offers a wonderful backdrop for these tours as it features one of the largest collections of 17th and 18th century buildings in existence today. Beginning on June 15, expert guides from The Newport Historical Society and the Newport Restoration Foundation will make history come alive on daily tours of the city’s historic landmarks and unique neighborhoods.

Walking tours offer individuals and families a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in history. The History Detective Tour is an interactive multi-generational tour where participants explore Newport’s history and record observations in a souvenir detective guide. Discover Colonial Newport Inside & Out takes visitors on a stroll through Newport’s Historic Hill and includes a visit inside the Great Friends Meeting House. The Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport offers guests an opportunity to experience local history by the light of authentic period-style lanterns.

Tours of key historic buildings are also offered including the Newport Colony House built in 1739 for Rhode Island government meetings; the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House circa 1697; and the Great Friends Meeting House, the state’s oldest house of worship built in 1699.

The summer schedule is offered from June 15 to September 5. A detailed schedule is attached or can be found online at www.newporthistorytours.org. Tickets are sold at the Museum of Newport History, open daily from 10:00am – 4:00pm, located at Washington Square, 127 Thames Street in Newport. Tickets for certain tours are also sold at the Gateway Visitors Center.

Created in 2005, the Newport History Tours are a collaborative program of The Newport Historical Society and the Newport Restoration Foundation. These not-for-profit educational institutions have served for decades as custodians of Newport's history and architectural landmarks. Newport History Tours offer an exciting array of programs throughout the year, including walking tours, illustrated lectures, and behind-the-scenes tours.

SUMMER 2006 HISTORY TOUR SCHEDULE

WALKING TOURS

History Detective Tour (1 hour)

$8/adult, $8/child, $6/member, $20/family

Tours on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Departs Visitors Center: 9:45am / Departs Museum of Newport History: 10:00am

Discover Colonial Newport Inside & Out (90 minutes)

$12/adult, $8/child, $8/member

Daily Tours

Departs Visitors Center: 10:45am / Departs Museum of Newport History: 11:00am

Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport (90 minutes)

$12/adult, $8/child, $8/member

Tours on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Departs Newport Colony House: 7:30pm

HISTORIC SITE TOURS

Newport Colony House (30 minutes)

$3/adult, $2/child, Free/Member

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Tours given on the ½ hour from 11:00-2:30

Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House (45 minutes)

$5/adult, $4/child, Free/Member

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Departs Museum of Newport History: 3:00pm

Great Friends Meeting House (30 minutes)

$5/adult, $4/child, Free/Member

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Departs Museum of Newport History: 4:00pm

The 2006 Newport History Tours are generously supported by the following partners:

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