RHODE ISLAND - Newport

Rough Point was the Newport home of Doris Duke – heiress, art collector, and Newport preservationist. Originally built by the Vanderbilt family in 1887 it later became one of Doris Duke’s homes. Still decorated as it was during her lifetime, the mansion is home to a remarkable collection of French furniture, European art, Chinese porcelains, and Turkish carpets; all collected during her world travels. The mansion features ocean views and landscaping design by Fredrick Law Olmsted, creator of New York’s Central Park. Rough Point opens of the season April 12, 2012. Tours last one hour and are led by knowledgeable guides.

The Whitehorne House features some of the best examples of Newport and Rhode Island furniture from the late 18th century. View examples of work by craftsmen from the renowned Townsend and Goddard workshops, including artisan Benjamin Baker. Known as cabinetmakers, these craftsmen created some of the most highly regarded examples of American furniture. Enjoy this remarkable collection in a completely furnished Federal-style mansion along Newport’s waterfront. Stroll through featuring a beautiful array of period flowers and plants. Whitehorne House is open for guided or self-guided tours May – October, Thursday – Monday. Group tours also available.

The museum offers a overview of Newport history to life with exhibits of decorative arts, artifacts of everyday life, graphics, historic photographs, audio-visual programs, fine ship models, brilliant paintings, exquisite Colonial silver, the printing press used by James Franklin, a ball gown worn by a member of the Summer Colony, the figurehead from the yacht Aloha, and much more. Cost: Admission is by donation.

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. Open June-September, Wed-Sat, 10 am-4 pm; Sun noon-4 pm.

The Museum of Yachting brings to the public eye the beauty and excitement which has led sailors to the water for centuries. It is a lively organization which reflects the international flavor of yachting in Newport, dedicated to the preservation of the traditional skills, documents, vessels, and artifacts which record and describe the history and development of yachting around the world. Cost: Adults, $5; seniors and children, $4.

The National Museum of American Illustration exhibiting original artworks from the Golden Age of American Illustration, including Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth and 75 others in its extensive collection. The Museum venue, Vernon Court, is a Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French chateau, by noted architects Carrere and Hastings.

Summer 2011 Hours (through Labor Day): Open to the Public Saturdays & Sundays 11a-5p. Guided Tours Fridays at 3pm. Private VIP & Group Tours available at other times with advance reservation.

Summer 2011 Admission Rates: $18 Adults, $16 Seniors 60+/Military, $15 Groups (10 or more), $12 Students (with ID), $8 Children 5-12. Children under 5 not admitted. NAC/AAM/NEMA Members admitted free of charge.

The museum is in Founders Hall (1820), a National Historic Landmark, and features exhibits on the history of naval warfare and the history of the Navy in the region, as well as the naval history of Narragansett Bay. Founders Hall is where the college started in 1884 and where naval historian Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote the epochal The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 - the book that helped to change the course of naval history at the start of the 20th century. Exhibits include milestones in naval warfare, the significance of the sea in international policy objectives, and the relationship between the U.S. Navy and Rhode Island in general. You may also access the U.S. Navy's History Database of ships and aircraft, available on a kiosk at the museum.

The oldest schoolhouse in the United States, built in 1716. Antique textbooks, school bells, and school furniture on display.

The museum is in a former Christian Sabbath Society meeting house, built in 1865. Collections of Colonial farm and household tools can be found inside. On the museum grounds is a monument on the site of the initial skirmish of the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Sat-Sun 1-4 pm, and by appointment.

Rough Point was the Newport home of Doris Duke – heiress, art collector, and Newport preservationist. Originally built by the Vanderbilt family in 1887 it later became one of Doris Duke’s homes. Still decorated as it was during her lifetime, the mansion is home to a remarkable collection of French furniture, European art, Chinese porcelains, and Turkish carpets; all collected during her world travels. The mansion features ocean views and landscaping design by Fredrick Law Olmsted, creator of New York’s Central Park. Rough Point opens of the season April 12, 2012. Tours last one hour and are led by knowledgeable guides.

Housed in the Jamestown Philomena Library, this museum features both Native and Colonial artifact collections from both the pre-historic and settlement periods. Most of these were found at local sites. Open Mon-Fri, Sat June 15-September 15. Call for specific hours.

Built in 1729 by Dean George Berkeley, an Anglican Bishop. The home is authentically furnished and maintained by the National Society of the Colonial Dames in Rhode Island, who offer tours during operating hours. Open daily July and August, 10 am-5 pm, or by appointment the rest of the year.

The Whitehorne House features some of the best examples of Newport and Rhode Island furniture from the late 18th century. View examples of work by craftsmen from the renowned Townsend and Goddard workshops, including artisan Benjamin Baker. Known as cabinetmakers, these craftsmen created some of the most highly regarded examples of American furniture. Enjoy this remarkable collection in a completely furnished Federal-style mansion along Newport’s waterfront. Stroll through featuring a beautiful array of period flowers and plants. Whitehorne House is open for guided or self-guided tours May – October, Thursday – Monday. Group tours also available.

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. Cost: Adults, $5; Children, $1.

Antique firefighting equipment is on display here, including a horse-drawn steam engine from 1894 and photographs of fire fighters at work and at play. In the museum is an authentic hand tub dating from the mid-19th century.