FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          February 9, 2007

                                                                                                  
Contact:                                              Morgan Devlin                                 

                                                          Newport Restoration Foundation         

                                                          401-849-7300 x14                           

                                                          morgan@newportrestoration.org       

 

Enjoy a Winter Walk through Newport's Historic Neighborhoods

(Newport, RI) — Visitors and natives alike will enjoy strolling Newport’s charming streets on walking tours featuring tales of colonial adventure.  Newport History Tours will offer four of its most popular tours as part of the Newport Winter Festival, February 17-24.  Among the offerings from the Newport Historical Society (NHS) and the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) are evening lantern tours, historical treasure hunts for families, and entertaining tours on the history of the drinking in Newport.  A complete schedule is listed below.

 

All tours are weather permitting.  Please make sure to dress appropriately for the season.  Tours depart from either the Museum of Newport History, located at 127 Thames Street in the Brick Market at Washington Square, or from the Newport Restoration Foundation offices at 51 Touro Street on Washington Square.  For reservations for the Rum & Revolution Tour, call the NRF at (401) 849-7300 x10.  For all other tours, call the NHS at (401) 846-0813.  Tickets are also sold at the Museum of Newport History.

 

Saturday, February 17

11:00 am - Discover Colonial Newport: Inside & Out

Discover the remarkable story of early Newport on a 1 1/2 -hour stroll through Newport's Historic Hill, including a visit inside the 1699 Great Friends Meeting House.  Reservations recommended at (401) 846-0813. Tour starts at Museum of Newport History.  $12 or $8 with button.

 

5:30 pm - Rum & Revolution Tour

A toast to taverns and tippling, this 1.5-hour walking tour offers an entertaining and informative history of alcohol in Newport.  Reservations required at (401) 849-7300, ext.10.  Tour starts at the NRF office.  $12 or $8 with button. 

 

Tuesday, February 20

11:00 am - History Treasure Hunt for Families

Kids age 7-12 and their families will enjoy this interactive tour with expert Guides.  Have fun recording your discoveries in words and pictures as you learn about Newport's diverse and dynamic history.  Reservations recommended at (401) 846-0813.  Tour starts at Museum of Newport History.  $8 or $5 with button.

 

5:30 pm - Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport

Feel transported through time to the heyday of this thriving colonial metropolis on a 1½ hour lantern-lit stroll through Newport’s Historic Hill.  Reservations required at (401) 846-0813.  Tour starts at Museum of Newport History.  $12 or $8 with button.

 

Wednesday, February 21

11:00 am - History Treasure Hunt for Families

 

Thursday, February 22

11:00 am - Discover Colonial Newport: Inside & Out

5:30 pm - Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport

 

Friday, February 23

11:00 am - History Treasure Hunt for Families

5:30 pm - Rum & Revolution Tour

 

Saturday, February 24

11:00 am - Discover Colonial Newport: Inside & Out

5:30 pm - Rum & Revolution Tour

 

Both museum stores will be open during the Newport Winter Festival and offer discounts to visitors with buttons.  Receive a 10% discount on all purchases at the Newport Historical Society Store located at 127 Thames Street in the Brick Market.  The NHS store will be open Thursday-Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm (closed Mon-Wed).  Admission to the Museum of Newport History (located upstairs) is complimentary with a suggested donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children.  The NRF Museum Store offers a 15% discount on all non-sales items.  Located at 415 Thames Street, the NRF Museum Store is open daily from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.

 

Created in spring 2005, the Newport History Tours are a collaborative program of the Newport Historical Society and the Newport Restoration Foundation.  These two non-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 more information, please visit www.newporthistorytours.org.

 

For more information about Newport Winter Festival, visit www.newportwinterfestival.com.

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