The French in 1780 Newport

The Newport Historical Society will host dozens of costumed living historians to portray scenarios that illustrate what life was like during this turning point in history. Programming will take place at three NHS’s properties: the Colony House, located at the top of Washington Square, which will represent a French army hospital just as it was during the French occupation; the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, 17 Broadway, will showcase a local family as they prepare to host a French soldier as well as a ladies’ tea and discussions about French fashions; and the Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell Street, where 18th century residents will highlight how this new occupation impacts their lives. Several living historians will interpret specific figures from the 18th century French army who were in Newport including the Marquis de Lafayette, officers from the Sossonais regiment, and a representative from the German regiment Royal-Deux Ponts.

About the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Trail

The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO) originates in Newport and is a 680-mile National Historic Trail administered by the National Park Service, which includes the land and water corridors that follow the routes taken by American and French armies under the commands of General Washington and Comte de Rochambeau to and from the siege of Yorktown, Virginia, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War. The trail traverses nine states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, plus the District of Columbia. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/waro.

About Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.

About Newport Historical Society

Since 1854, the Newport Historical Society has collected and preserved the artifacts, photographs, documents, publications, and genealogical records that relate to the history of Newport County, to make these materials readily available for both research and enjoyment, and to act as a resource center for the education of the public about the history of Newport County, so that knowledge of the past may contribute to a fuller understanding of the present. For more information please visit www.NewportHistory.org.

About Trinity Church

Trinity Episcopal Church, built in 1726 by master-builder Richard Munday and based on Georgian designs by Sir Christopher Wren, was the earliest Anglican parish in Rhode Island (1698). The bell tower, built in 1769, stands at 150 feet and leans slightly to the north. Restored in 1986, the interior has the original center aisle, triple-tiered wine glass pulpit. The pipe organ was a gift of Rev’d Dr. George Berkeley in 1733. The church’s first organist, Charles Theodore Pachelbel, assembled its 508 pipes. Individually decorated box pews reflect early owner’s tastes and three English stained-glass windows and two important Tiffany windows date from c.1900. Trinity Church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975.