NEW Rum and Revolution Tour Focuses on History of Drinking in Newport

(Newport, RI) This fall, visitors to Newport can learn about the important role rum and other alcoholic beverages played in the history of Newport on an entertaining and educational walking tour. Departing from the Colony House at 6:30 on Thursday and Friday evenings, the new Rum and Revolution Tour will visit the scenic streets of Newport’s Historic Hill and Point neighborhoods. Expert guides share colorful and authentic tales of the rum trade, colonial carousing, Prohibition, rum running, brewing & distilling, tavern life, and more. The tour ends at the Rhumbline Restaurant and Tavern at 62 Bridge Street in the historic Point section. The Rum and Revolution Tour will be offered between September 7 and November 30, excluding Thanksgiving.

A daylight tour of Newport’s historic streets continues this fall. Discover Colonial Newport Inside & Out shares the remarkable story of colonial life on a walk through the charming Historic Hill neighborhood. The tour includes discussion of early struggles for religious freedom with a visit inside the Great Friends Meeting House, Rhode Island’s oldest remaining house of worship built in 1699. Offered from September 7 to October 7 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the tour departs the Gateway Visitors Center at 10:45 am and the Museum of Newport History at 11:00 am.

“Newport’s historic neighborhoods are a wonderful backdrop for this tour because here the history of drinking in America plays itself out, yet with Rhode Island’s own particular twist,” commented Lisa Dady, education director for the Newport Restoration Foundation. “We are delighted to add the Rum and Revolution Tour to our offerings because this is such a significant part of Newport’s past and we are eager to bring it to life.”

The Hidden Treasures of Colonial Newport tour visits two historically significant buildings in Newport: the Newport Colony House, built in 1739 for Rhode Island government meetings, and the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House circa 1697. The tour departs from the Museum of Newport History and is offered Thursdays and Saturdays at 1:30 pm between September 7 and October 7, 2006.

Tickets are sold at the Museum of Newport History, located at Washington Square, 127 Thames Street in Newport. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 am -4:00 pm through Labor Day and then Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm through December 23, 2006. Tickets for the Discover Colonial Newport tour are also sold at the Gateway Visitors Center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue. Tickets for all tours are $12 for adults and $8 for children 8-18 or NHS Members. All tours are 90-minutes in length. For more information, visit www.newporthistorytours.org.

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 for individuals and tour groups.

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

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