The Newport Historical Society will showcase restorations to its properties during a Celebration of the Colonial City on Friday, July 3, 2009, 4 to 6pm. All are invited to this Open House and fundraiser to view the recent and continuing preservation efforts for five of Newport's historic architectural treasures. Admission is $40 in advance, $50 on the day of the event, and $25 for Newport Historical Society members; children under twelve are free. Admission bracelets allow entrance to all properties and include drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dessert, and special discounts at the Museum & Shop at Brick Market.

The Open House begins with a 4 o'clock ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 1730 Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House on Barney Street, to the rear of Historical Society headquarters at 82 Touro Street. Attributed to Richard Munday, renowned architect of Newport’s Trinity Church, this meeting house is the oldest Baptist church in the United States. Since 2005, the structure has undergone an extensive exterior and interior restoration and now boasts a new roof and windows, fresh plaster on interior walls, and paneling and ornamental woodwork restored to match original colors. The work has been funded by the van Beuren Foundation, the RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission, the Seventh Day Baptist Historical Society and many individual donors.

The Open House continues at the Colony House (1739) on Washington Square, the historic former statehouse and setting for many significant historical events. The 5 o'clock ribbon-cutting ceremonially re-opens the majestic Great Hall, the interior of which has been freshly painted after an analysis of historic paint colors.

At the Great Friends Meeting House (1699), the oldest surviving house of worship in Newport, exterior repairs and painting are about to begin. Attendees are invited to partake of 18th century games on the lawn. And at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House (1697), the oldest museum house in Newport, all are invited to “take tea” and enjoy home-made desserts with 1780's teenager Polly Wanton.

At the 1762 Brick Market, designed by Peter Harrison and home to Newport Historical Society’s museum and gift shop, guests can tour the renewed museum exhibit and browse in the expanded gift shop. Additions to the museum highlight Newport’s 19th century artists and writers, and include the newly acquired writing desk of Clemet C. Moore. Exhibits on Newport's Caswell Massey company and 18th century apothecary products, and Newport's Naval history have also been added. This architectural landmark has recently had a comprehensive restoration funded by the Alletta Morris McBean Foundation and the City of Newport.

“I am very pleased with our progress on preserving these Newport treasures,” says Bart Dunbar, Chair of the NHS Properties Committee. “This hard work insures that these properties will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“As the Historical Society for this city rich in early American history, we are excited to share our progress on these important colonial properties,” says Ruth Taylor, executive director of the Newport Historical Society. “We are working in concert with the City of Newport and the State of Rhode Island in a continuing effort to restore and maintain these buildings. We are pleased to share our progress with members and friends, the Newport community and visitors during our Celebration of the Colonial City.”

Admission bracelets are available at the Museum & Shop at Brick Market, 127 Thames Street, and by calling 401-841-8770. Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited.

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