We certainly have had some strange weather this autumn — some cold days, rainy ones, and then a few glorious days! The weather though has not stopped the activities of the Museum. It has been a very busy season for Museum members and friends.
The first two talks of our 21st Annual Lecture Series were presented September 19 (Dr. Elizabeth Stack) and October 18 (Raymond J. McKenna), in person at the Wyndham Newport Hotel and virtually, via Zoom. If you were not able to join us, please enjoy the recordings by visiting the“Lectures” pageon our website (look for the “Video” button).
Tours of the historic Barney Street Cemetery were given by Steve Marino on four Sundays this fall. If you were not able to attend a tour, information about the cemetery site, central to the history of Newport’s early Irish community, may be found on theCemetery Tours pageof our website (check out the links under the large photo on the left).
Our Interpretive Centeron Lower Thames Street operated on its pre-pandemic schedule of 4 days per week. We closed for the 2022 Season October 30. Private tours in the off-season may be arranged, just send us anemail). Huge thanks to our volunteer docents who made the 2022 Season a success!
The 3 self-guided walking tour brochures have been well received and we’re poised for a third printing.
Our Board has begun work on a strategic plan, including efforts to refresh our Interpretive Center.
Please scroll down for our latest news, including the much anticipated next talk of our 21st Annual Lecture Series, to be presented Monday, November 14 at 6pm with guest speaker, Dr. Kurt Schlichting. This will be the final lecture of the 2022 calendar year, but the series will continue in the first part of 2023. Please reserve now if you plan to attend.
The third talk of our 2022-23 Lecture Series Annual will be presented on Monday, October 14 at 6 pm, by guest speaker, Dr. Kurt S. Schlichting, at our wonderful new venue,Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, R.I., just across the Newport border.
Dr. Schlichting’s illustrated talk will be live-streamed via Zoom for those who are unable to join us in person for the talk, Q&A,
and reception with complementary light hors d’oeuvres to follow (cash bar).
As always, reservations are requested and a modest fee will be charged for members attending the lecture and reception in person.
This is a great time to invite your non-member family and friends to attend our talks and become a member!
Those who join to attend a lecture are not assessed the $5 per person lecture fee, just pay the 1-year Annual Membership fee of $20 Individual ($30 Family/Household). It’s our “welcome” gift to them. Questions/Suggestions/Comments:
The photo taken in 1875 by J.A. (Joshua Appleby) Williams.
Williams (1817-1892) was a photographer working in Newport from 1847 to 1885.
His studio was called “Joshua A. Williams’ Photograph Rooms” and was located on South Touro Street near Bath Road (now named Bellevue Ave. and Memorial Blvd.).
A majority of his work was producing stereoviews, although it seems he produced daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and albumen silver prints as well.
This photo appears on one of the panels at the Museum’s Interpretive Center,
within the “Work” theme. The photo also appears in Maureen A. Taylor’s book, “Picturing Rhode Island: Images of Everyday Life, 1850-2006”
(Commonwealth Editions, 2007)
Our thanks to Patrick Halpin descendant, Carla Francis,
longtime Museum member and volunteer docent.
Our Wyndham Newport lecture hosts invite you to dine at their on-site restaurant, Johnny’s, before or after the Nov. 14 6:00 pm lecture.
Their popular three-course $17 “Early Bird” menu will be in effect, from 3-6pm (regular dinner menu/pricing will be in effect the blanch of the evening).
RESERVATIONS
are strongly encouraged
Click HERE for Johnny’s website. When you click the “Menu” option, be sure to scroll all the way down to see each menu page graphic to click and view. “Early Bird” is on far-right.
Phone for reservations: (401) 847-2750.
Irish Music & Dance Performance – Nov. 26
We are delighted to share this opportunity to enjoy the talents of our own Museum member and award-winning Traditional Irish Step Dance and American Tap Dancer, Kevin T. Doyle, and his group, Thanksgiving Weekend at the Blackstone River Theater in Cumberland, R.I. Details below. Click on the photo for link to the theater and tickets, then scroll down to Nov. 26.
SAVE THE DATE – DEC. 10
After a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we look forward to reprieving our popular Christmas Open House.
Please Save the Date, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 from 12 noon to 4:30 pm. A “Christmas in Newport“ event. Details to come!
Click Here for Museum Board of Directors Contact Info. and list of deceased board members, fondly remembered.
The MISSION of the Museum of Newport Irish History is to tell the story of the Irish immigrants and their descendants in Newport County and the surrounding area from the colonial era to the present. It also seeks to preserve artifacts and mementos relating to their experiences and facilitate
