Private Tours & Group Tours
At the Newport Historical Society, we offer engaging and educational walking tours tailored for school trips, corporate outings, family reunions, and other group events. Scroll down for more information regarding private tours.
Private tours and group tours are available seven days a week. The cost is $50 per person, with a minimum charge of $250, and accommodates up to 15 participants. A minimum of 2-3 business days’ notice is required to allow time for scheduling. To arrange a private tour or group tour, please email: tours@newporthistory.org with the following information:
- Date and time requested.
- Which tour you’d like to take. Click here to review the tour options.
- The number of participants in your party.
Payment for private tours is required when reservation details have been finalized. A deposit may be required when arranging a tour. To make a payment online, click here.
School Groups and Field Trips
We highly encourage school groups to take advantage of our private tours, offering a unique and educational experience tailored to your students’ needs. To discuss options and receive a customized quote, please don’t hesitate to email (tours@newporthistory.org) or call us (401-846-0813 ex. 152).
Walk-up, On Demand Tours
Walk-up, on demand tours are available to the spontaneous adventurer, but are subject to very limited availability. Currently, we offer two on demand tours: Discover Colonial Newport and the Colony House Site Tour. Pricing is $25 for adults, $20 for members and military, and $15 for children aged 5-12. Availability is extremely limited for these kinds of tours, so check in at the museum shop early to check for openings.
Historic Sites:
The Newport Historical Society’s historic sites are often open during special events. See the NHS Events Page for the latest programming.
Colony House Tour:
Built in 1739, this historic site was a center for Rhode Island’s colonial government. Explore its significant history, including the surrounding square, and view a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. This tour is offered May 2024 – late August 2024 at 1pm on Fridays through Mondays. For the full schedule, click here.
Great Friends Meeting House Tour: 
Explore Rhode Island’s oldest house of worship, built for the Society of Friends in 1699. This property is open to the public as part of the video art installation “Scandalous Conduct: A Fairy Extravaganza” Thursdays through Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House: 
Visit one of the oldest Baptist meeting houses in America, built in 1730. This property is open to the public as part of the new exhibit “A Name. A Voice. A Life: The Black Newporters of the 18th-19th Centuries.” It is accessible via the Richard I. Burnham Resource Center at 82 Touro Street.
Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House:
Tour Newport’s oldest house museum, built c.1697, and backdrop to the American Revolution. Not open for regularly scheduled site tours at this time. Visit voices.newporthistory.org for news about future plans for this space.
Newport Historical Society’s Museum of Newport History:
This award-winning museum, housed in the 1763 Brick Market, provides an engaging introduction to the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture.
Museum of Newport History: Admission is donation-based. Recommended $5 per person.
The Museum Shop is located on the first floor, and serves as the departure point for all of our walking tours.
