Winterfest06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2006

Contact: Morgan Devlin

Newport Restoration Foundation

401-849-7300 x14

Explore Colonial History at the Newport Winter Festival

(Newport, RI) Newport visitors will experience the city's fascinating colonial history first-hand through a series of dynamic walking tours. Daily strolls through this remarkable architectural landscape are offered during the Newport Winter Festival (February 17-26). Tour options range from evening lantern tours, to history treasure hunts for families, to tours focused on colonial women. Newport offers a wonderful backdrop to learn about colonial history as it features one of the largest collections of 17th and 18th century buildings in existence today. Expert tour guides help history come alive through stories of revolution and ruin, tales of struggle for religious liberty, and examples of the remarkable entrepreneurs who built Newport.

Several different tours will be offered during the week. Most tours repeat to provide visitors with more choices. All tours are weather permitting, but please dress appropriately. Reservations are recommended. Tours depart from the Museum of Newport History located at the Brick Market at Washington Square, 127 Thames Street. For reservations, call the Museum of Newport History at (401) 841-8770 or (401) 846-0813.

Saturday, February 18

11am - Discover Colonial Newport Inside & Out: Discover the remarkable story of early Newport on a 1.5 hour stroll through Newport's Historic Hill, including a visit inside the 1699 Great Friends Meeting House. $12 a person/ $8 w/button.

5:30pm - Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport: Feel transported through time to the day of this thriving colonial metropolis on a 1.5 hour lantern-lit stroll with professionally trained guides from the Newport Historical Society, the Newport Restoration Foundation, and the Touro Synagogue Foundation. $12/$8 w/button. Reservations are required for the lantern tours.

Tuesday, February 21

11:00am - Discover Colonial Newport Inside & Out

5:30pm - Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport

Wednesday, February 22

11:00am - History Treasure Hunt for Families: Kids age 7-12 and their families will enjoy this interactive walking tour with guides from the Newport Historical Society, the Newport Restoration Foundation, and the Touro Synagogue Foundation. Have fun recording your discoveries in words and pictures as you learn about Newport's diverse and dynamic history. $8/$5 child w/button, accompanying adults complimentary.

Thursday, February 23

11:00am - Colonial Women of Newport: Discover the remarkable entrepreneurship of 18th century Newport women and their contributions to the city's development on a 11/2 hour stroll through the Historic Hill. $12/$8 w/button.

5:30pm - Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport

Friday, February 24

11:00am - History Treasure Hunt for Families

3:00pm -Keeping Warm in the 18th Century: Experience winter colonial style and learn about early Newporters' strategies for keeping warm on a 45-minute tour of the ca. 1697 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. $7/ $5 w/button.

Saturday, February 25

11:00am - Discover Colonial Newport Inside & Out

5:30pm - Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport

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

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