Historic Homes and Sites
Visit Newport, an American city with centuries of history to visit.
27 places to visit
Jamestown, RI
Beavertail Lighthouse
While the current tower of this lighthouse was built in 1856, it sits on the site of just the third lighthouse built in the United States--back in 1749. A museum discusses the history of the lighthouse and the area.Beavertail Point, Beavertail Road 401-423-3270
Jamestown, RI
Watson Farm
This working farm is managed according to the principles of sustainable agriculture and raises heritage-breed cattle and other livestock. Visitors follow a self-guided walking tour to explore the open fields and pastures. Walk to commanding views of Narragansett Bay, stroll along the shore, and observe wildlife and the seasonal activities of the farm. The house is not open to the public. Owned and operated by Historic New England.
Hours: June 1-October 15, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $4; seniors, $3; students and children, $2.455 North Road 401-423-0005
Newport, RI
Touro Synagogue
The oldest synagogue in North America is a worldwide symbol of religious freedom. Built in 1763, the synagogue houses the oldest torah in North America and a letter written by George Washington 1790.
Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Call for specific times or to make an appointment.85 Touro Street 401-847-4794
Newport, RI
Trinity Church (RI)
Historic church completed in 1726. George Washington worshiped there when visiting Newport, and the organ was tested by George Frederick Handel before being sent from England. Contains Tiffany stained-glass windows and the only three-tiered, wine glass pulpit in America.One Queen Anne Square 401-846-0660Jamestown, RI
Jamestown Windmill
Built in 1787, this windmill has been restored and is owned by the Jamestown Historical Society. Tours are available.
Hours: Open mid-June to mid-September, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and by appointment.North Road, off Route 138 401-423-1798Little Compton, RI
Gray's Store
One of the oldest continuously operation stores in the United States, Gray's was built in 1788. On the premises are the areas original post office, built in 1804, a historic soda fountain, display cases, and an ice chest. Numerous antiques are on display, and the store has cheddar cheese, penny candy, and collectibles for sale.
Hours: Open year-round, call for operating hours.4 Main Street 401-635-4566Little Compton, RI
Wilbor House Museum
Built in the 17th century and expanded and remodeled over the next 200 years, the property was restored in 1956 by the Little Compton Historical Society. The house contains period furniture and artifacts. The barn features historic farm items, vehicles, and tools. There is a Colonial herb garden. Guided tours available.
Hours: Late June through Labor Day and other times by special appointment.
Admission: Cost: Adults, $5; Children, $1.548 West Main Road (Route 77) 401-635-4035Middletown, RI
Whitehall Museum House
Built in 1729 by Dean George Berkeley, an Anglican bishop and philosopher. The home is authentically furnished with 18th century antiques and the small gardens are landscaped with a variety of plants and flowers.
Hours: July-August, daily except Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults over age 15, $5.311 Berkeley Avenue 401-846-3116
Newport, RI
Museum of the Artillery Company of Newport
In the Newport Armory, built in 1836, the museum contains a large collection of military artifacts, both from the U.S. and foreign sources representing more than 100 countries past and present. The museum is run by the Rhode Island Militia, which was chartered in 1741 and is the country's oldest military organization.
Hours: Open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Saturdays 10am - 2pm. Appointment required during the rest of the year. Admission is free and donations are accepted.23 Clarke Street 401-846-8488
Newport, RI
Brick Marketplace
Originally built in 1762 as a market and granary, this complex has been restored and is now a popular mall featuring unique shops and eateries.Goddard Row at Thames Street & America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI
Channing Memorial Church
Built in 1880, this Unitarian Church was named for William Ellery Channing, a leader in the Unitarian Church and the abolitionist movement. The structure is built mostly of granite, and features artistic stained glass windows and a bronze plaque by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This church was attended by Julia Ward Howe, author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Hours: Open for Sunday worship at 10 a.m., and by appointment.135 Pelham Street 401-846-0643
Newport, RI
Fort Adams State Park
An active military fort from 1799 to 1945, Fort Adams sits on over 21 acres and held up to 2,400 troops. The Fort often hosts special historical events like reenactments of battles and the daily lives of soldiers in a historic setting. The original defenses still standing include walls, powder magazines, guns and cannons, and tunnels.80 Fort Adams Drive 401-847-2400Newport, RI
Great Friends Meeting House
Built in 1699, the meeting house is the oldest religious building in Newport. Features the history of the Quakers, once the dominant religion in Newport colony. Open by appointment only, call at least one week in advance.Farewell Street and Marlborough Street 401-846-0813
Newport, RI
Newport Congregational Church
The most recently built church for a congregation originally formed in 1695. Constructed in 1835, this is one of only two churches in the U.S. to be completely decorated by 19th century painter John LaFarge. The church was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012, and is currently undergoing a restoration. Open by appointment only.73 Pelham Street 401-849-2238Newport, RI
Old Stone Mill
A bit of mystery surrounds this site: some theorize it was built by Colonial farmers, others that it is far older and actually may have been constructed by visiting Norsemen before the 15th century.
Hours: Open year-round, dawn to dusk.Touro Park 401-846-1398
Newport, RI
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
Outstanding portraits done in the 18th and 19th centuries can be found in the nation's oldest library building. The library hosts many special cultural and seasonal public events throughout the year.
Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri & Sat, 11am - 4pm.50 Belleville Avenue 401-847-0292Newport, RI
Salve Regina University
A nationally recognized university in the heart of historic Newport, Salve Regina has a beautiful oceanside campus on the edge of the scenic Cliff Walk.
Information: www.salve.edu100 Ochre Point Ave. 401-847-6650
Newport, RI
Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House
Next to the Newport Historical Society Museum, this church was built in 1729 and is the oldest 7th Day Baptist structure in the U.S. The pulpit is rich in decor. The building includes a William Claggett clock. Call for hours and to make an appointment.82 Touro Street 401-846-0813
Newport, RI
St. Mary's Church
Rhode Island's oldest Roman Catholic parish was founded in 1828. The church is best known as the site of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. Named to the National Register of historic Places in 2008.12 William Street 401-847-0475
Newport, RI
Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
The oldest restored home in Newport, built in 1675. The house is the site of the Stamp Act Riot of 1765 and was home to Colonial governors, justices, and patriots. Property also contains a Colonial herb garden.
Hours: Open for tours during special events only. Please visit the website for specific dates & times.17 Broadway 401-846-0813Portsmouth, RI
Old School House
The oldest schoolhouse in the United States, built in 1716. Antique textbooks, school bells, and school furniture on display.
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; also by appointment.East Main Road and Union Street 401-683-9178
Bristol, RI
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Blithewold is a 435-room English-style manor house and home of the prosperous Van Wickle family. Its beautiful grounds and gardens offer sweeping view of Narraganssett Bay below. The house is English Country Manor style with influences of the English Arts and Crafts Movement. Lawns, gardens, and planted beds include a rock garden, a rose garden with a centenarian Chestnut Rose; one of the tallest Giant Sequoias on the east coast.101 Ferry Road - RI Route 114 401-253-2707Bristol, RI
Linden Place
Linden Place mansion was built in 1810 by the seafaring General George DeWolf. The property includes the mansion, a ballroom built in 1906, a barn built in the 19th century, and an 18th-century summer house. The grounds include historic sculpture and gardens. Live music performances are offered throughout the year.
Guided tours of the estate, featured in the film "The Great Gatsby," are given May through Columbus Day, Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and occasional Sundays. Tours by appointment are available November through April.
Hours: Mansion and museum store, May 1 through Columbus Day, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; office open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Information: www.lindenplace.org500 Hope St. / Route 114 401-253-0390Bristol, RI
Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame
The museum and hall of fame present the story of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America's Cup competition. From 1863 to 1945, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company produced the world's finest yachts on the cutting edge of design and engineering. This Rhode Island museum's collection includes 60 original Herreshoff boats, steam engines, artifacts, and photographs from the Golden Age of Yachting.
Hours: April 26-November 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; other times of year by appointment.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors over age 65, $8; military, $8, youth over age 10, $5.
Information: www.herreshoff.org/1 Burnside Street 401-253-5000
Newport, RI
National Museum of American Illustration and Frederick Law Olmsted Park
This essential American art form is on display at this largest collection original artworks from the Golden Age of American Illustration anywhere in the world. The museum includes artworks by N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, and more than 100 other artists. Vernon Court is a furnished 1898 mansion, a unique union of art and architecture, and a national treasure.
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day; see website for hours. Open year-round by advance reservation for groups or private tours.Vernon Court at 492 Bellevue Avenue 401-851-8949Bristol, RI
Coggeshall Farm Museum
This is a 35-acre colonial farm, established in 1750. This Rhode Island museum features rare breeds of livestock, a barn, cooling house, blacksmith, and springhouse, making it a great thing to do with kids for a family activity on vacation.
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $5; children, $3.
Information: www.coggeshallfarm.org.Off Route 114 401-253-9062
Newport, RI
Naval War College Museum
Founders Hall, site of the Naval War College Museum, was making waves long before it was named a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1820, the stately structure served as the Newport Asylum for the Poor before becoming the original home of the Naval War college in 1884. It is the site where Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan delivered his famous lectures on naval history and tactics, published in 1890 as “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783.” Now it is one of nine official Navy Department museums in the nation, exhibiting artifacts and documents dating from the 1500s to today.686 Cushing Road 401-841-4052