Discover Colonial Newport
Guests see well-preserved architecture and learn about the diverse community of the seaport town; about 75-90 mins, Tuesdays and Fridays.
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Gallery
Overview
About Old Colony House
Designed by Richard Munday, it housed Rhode Island’s Colonial government and later served as a courthouse. Today, it functions as a historic museum and exhibit space, offering tours, living history events, and educational programs. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
Made for
- The Colony House ranks as the fourth oldest surviving statehouse in the United States.
- Visitors tour the Colony House self-guided at their own pace using QR-code interpretation, with a kids version.
- The State of Rhode Island owns the Colony House, which the Newport Historical Society manages.
- Groups such as family reunions, corporate outings, and school trips can arrange customized walking tours.
The packages
Golden to Gilded
Tour on the city's transformation and its people, about 75-90 mins, held Sundays and Thursdays.
Road to Independence
Covers riots, rebellions, and shifting alliances of the American Revolution era; lasts about 75 mins on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Common Burying Ground
Burying ground tour runs about 75-90 mins on the third Saturday of each month.
French in Newport
Explores the Franco-American alliance forged in Newport; about 90 mins, first Sunday of each month.
In George Washington’s Footsteps
Guests visit sites where Washington stayed, dined, and strategized on his Newport visits.
Holiday Lantern Tour
Holiday tour lasts about 75 minutes and runs seasonally in November and December.
Legends and Lore
Separates truth from fiction in Newport tales; about 60-75 mins on the fourth Saturday of each month.
Newport’s British Occupation
Covers sites and stories of soldiers and citizens affected by the occupation; about 75-90 mins on the first Saturday of each month.
Point Neighborhood
Point neighborhood tour lasts about 90 mins, held the fourth Sunday of each month.
Rogues & Scoundrels
Rogues tour lasts about 75 mins and is held the second Sunday of each month.
Rum & Revolution with Rum Tasting
Rum tour ends with a historically inspired rum drink or mocktail and small bite; participants must be 21+.
Good to know
- Every tour starts and departs at the Colony House in Washington Square.
- Private and group tours can be booked any day of the week.
- Private tours need at least 2-3 business days' notice for scheduling.
- Reservations are advised ahead of time, particularly in the busy summer season.
- Accessibility varies by property; visitors with questions or special requests should contact in advance.
- The Colony House hosts tours, living history events, and educational programs, and can be rented for events.
- Peak season runs May-September, so extra time is advised.
- The Kane and Wallace Center for Black History is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
Details from newporthistory.org