Why We Remember the American Revolution with Dr. Michael Hattem
June 12 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Richard I. Burnham Resource Center | 82 Touro Street, Newport
Admission $15 – $20 per person | *Student Discounts now available $10 with valid student ID
6:30pm to 7:30pm; doors open at 5:30pm for a complimentary reception
As the 250th anniversary of independence approaches, historian Michael D. Hattem will draw on his latest book, The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History, to discuss Americans’ uniquely emotional connection to the memory of the Revolution and its central role in American life as a national “origin myth.” He will also explore how Americans have constantly revised the meaning of the Revolution in ways that have always been shaped by the times.
History Happy Hour Open House
June 17 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Every third Tuesday of the Month | 4pm – 7pm
Richard I. Burnham Resource Center
82 Touro Street, Newport, RI
Free with any Donation
Join us for an evening at the NHS’ current exhibition, “Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On?”
History Happy Hour is Social Hour at the NHS, bring your friends, family and all of your questions! Visit our new exhibit during evening hours, enjoy a drink, and chat with other guests and staff about Newport’s role in the Revolutionary War. Extended evening hours occur every third Tuesday of the month from 4pm to 7pm for guests to explore the exhibition after normal business hours.
All guests who make a $10.00 donation or more to the Newport Historical Society will receive a free drink!
Upcoming History Happy Hour Dates:
June 17th, 2025
July 15th, 2025
August 19th, 2025
September 16th, 2025
October 21st, 2025
November 18th, 202
December 16th, 2025
Reservations are highly recommended, reserve your spot today by visiting, https://newporthistorytours.org/calendar/
French in Newport 2025
July 12 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, July 12th, 2025
11am to 4pm | Rain or Shine
Washington Square | Newport, RI
Free Family Fun Event | Donations Accepted
Newport event–a day of living history featuring reenactments, performances, and free family fun–will return to Washington Square on Saturday, July 12th.
From 11:00am-4:00pm, visitors can explore the role of French soldiers and sailors who fought for America’s independence and enjoy hands-on learning opportunities tied to this important period in Newport’s history. Demonstrations of historic trades such as silhouette art, baking, and cider pressing will run all day in Eisenhower Park, with a full schedule of programs running concurrently just across the square in the Colony House. From interviews with historical figures like Chastellux and Lafayette to an 18th century medicine presentation to a book signing with author Molly Beer & her new publication, Angelica: For Love & Country in a Time of Revolution (hosted in partnership with Charter Books), there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s event is particularly relevant, as the NHS prepares to commemorate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Semiquincentennial programming is already underway, and French in Newport will be a centerpiece of the anniversary in 2025 and 2026.
French in Newport Activity Schedule:
Times subject to change.
Kids & Family Activities:
Traveling Trunk with 18th century clothing
Historic toys & games
National Park Service Activity – Become a Junior Ranger
National Park Service Activity – First 150 kids will get the chance to create a mini boat and join Admiral De Ternay’s fleet
French in 18th Century Walking tour at 2pm –
Leaves from the Museum of Newport History & Shop
Colony House Activities:
11am to 11:45am – 18th century medicine demonstration
11:45am to 12:30pm – An interview with Chastellux
1pm to 2pm – Program: “Angelica: For Love and County in a Time of Revolution” with author Molly Beer, in partnership with Charter Books.
2:30pm to 3:30pm – an interview with the Comte de Lafayette & the Comte de Rochambeau
3:30pm – Final performance of the Middlesex County Fife & Drum Corps from the front steps
Eisenhower Park:
11:30 am to 3pm – Middlesex County Fife & Drum Corps performances
11:30am to 12pm, 1:30pm to 2pm – 18th century laundry demonstration
12pom to 1pm – Story telling & oral tradition performance with Annawon Weeden
All Day Stations
Roaming Demonstrations
Textiles & Sewing
Quaker reenactors
DuPonts Officer reenactor
Fashion & Art
Shoe black demonstration
Ballad seller
18th century tea demonstration