Newport Restoration Foundation
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The Newport Restoration Foundation was founded by Doris Duke in 1968 in Newport, Rhode Island to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of Newport, including 18th century colonial homes. Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the foundation's vice president.[1][2]
It is the largest collection of vernacular architecture in the Northeastern United States. In the 1960s, structures in Newport were threatened by redevelopment. Doris Duke purchased and restored over 83 individual houses under her direction. The entire project represents one of the largest preservation efforts undertaken in modern times and is currently led by executive directors, Amy Elizabeth-Winsor, Alyssa Lozupone, and Gina Tangorra.[3]
The NRF owns 78 significant historical properties, 72 of which are rented to tenants. 67 of the historic buildings are in Newport, and 8 buildings are museums. One of the historical properties includes Doris Duke's Rough Point which was built in 1891 and then added on to in 1924. Rough Point is a Newport mansion with a collection of European and Asian fine arts with works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, and Sir Anthony van Dyck. The property list also includes the Samuel Whitehorne House (built 1811), the William Vernon House (built c. 1708 and expanded 1759), the Buloid-Perry House, King's Arms Tavern, and The Dr. Charles Cotton House, and the Christopher Townsend House, (built 1728). In addition, the foundation runs Prescott Farm, an outdoor history site in Middletown, RI.[4]
