As we enter this special season of reflection and opportunities of a New Year, my wish for you is time well spent with family and friends.
You have all given me much for which to be thankful. The support of you, the members; the dedication of the Board and the passion of the docents under the challenges of the pandemic, have been nothing short of gratifying. I have had the unique opportunity to share with you in all the richness of the Irish history, culture and tradition that has shaped our communities.
I now look forward to serving the Board under the leadership and guidance of Deanna Conheeny, our future President, to continue building on our legacy of honoring the contributions of the Irish immigrants and their descendants to Newport County and the surrounding areas.
This scale model of St. Mary’s Church is on display at the Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center. The historic church is located at the corner of Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard in Newport.
The beautifully crafted model, which depicts the church at Christmastime, is at least sixty years old. The model was donated to the Museum in 2016 by Saint Mary’s Parish, under the direction of Fr. Kris von Maluski, pastor at that time.
Its maker is unknown, though it is possible the model was crafted in conjunction with the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the church’s dedication (1852-1952). Saint Mary’s is Rhode Island’s oldest Catholic parish, founded in 1828 to serve Newport’s burgeoning Irish immigrant population.
Photo by: Allan Millora
Museum of Newport Irish History
Established 1996
a 501c3 non-profit organization
Mailing: PO Box 1378, Newport, RI 02840
Interpretive Center: 648 Lower Thames Street, Newport RI 02840
