Newport, Rhode Island wasn't just any American resort town of the late 19th century and early 20th century — it was the destination for the phenomenally rich to spend their summers. Picture magnificent marble palaces, luxuriant gardens, and large shimmering yachts in the harbor; or the elite's fancy carriages parading up and down Newport's main street to get to their important appointments like an afternoon of tea time and tennis or a lavish ball to show-off custom-made gowns and priceless jewels; or of families so wealthy and powerful that European nobles and aristocrats visited to seek the hand of American heiresses to save their own crumbling ancestral homes in need of American cash. This is the story of Newport, Rhode Island, the highest step of the social ladder — the "Queen of Resorts."

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital exploration of the magnificent mansions and families of Newport, Rhode Island, America’s most elite summer playground during the Gilded Age.

Led by historian Gary Lawrance, our virtual look at Newport through rare archival images and stories written by those who lived it first-hand will include:

• Early and modern views of the most famous mansions, including The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, Marble House, and Chateau Sur Mer  — see floor plans and unbuilt designs that even the Vanderbilt’s felt were too big!
• An overview of the powerful old money and "Nouveau Riche" families that visited each year, including the Astors, Vanderbilts, Whitneys, and Goelets.
• A virtual stroll up and down Bellevue Avenue, Newport's main street, with period maps showing where some of the lost mansions once stood.
• Sights and stories from within the gates of dazzling Newport villas, from the famous Ball Blanc, to the elaborate Dogs Dinner, to one game played after a dinner party that involved guests using Tiffany & Co. silver trowels to search for emeralds, diamonds, and rubies in a sandbox running the length of the table.
• The faded glory years when no one wanted the mansions, which became known as “White Elephants," and how tireless preservationists saved many of the mansions from the wrecking ball.
• Movies and television shows made in Newport and the mansions.

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions about the Newport mansions and Gilded Age are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Gary

Architect, Author, and Historian Gary Lawrance is an architect from Stony Brook, New York. His firm, Lawrance Architectural Presentations, provides design presentations, architectural models, digital renderings, and design development services to architects, landscape architects and interior designers.

Mr. Lawrance has an extensive background in the history of Gilded Age architecture, landscapes, and society, and co-authored the bestselling book, “Houses of the Hamptons 1880-1930” with Anne Surchin (Acanthus Press 2007, Revised 3rd Printing 2013).

Mr. Lawrance’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Newsday, New York Social Diary, Southampton Press, and more. Mr. Lawrance has written for Architectural Digest, Dan’s Papers, Quest magazine, and his two blogs, Mansions of the Gilded Age and Houses of the Hamptons in addition to founding and contributing to the two very successful Facebook groups, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society with over 160,000 members combined. Mr. Lawrance also manages two equally popular Instagram accounts, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society.

Testimonials

"So much info- great images- and a real command of the subject by Gary Lawrance, whom I've seen speak in the past in person." -Mary

"Very informative and the presentation was excellent!" -Allena

"Lots of Interesting information presented in a pleasant manner with many excellent photos" -April

"Speaker was very knowledgeable about the topic. The inside stories were attention-gaining and fun to hear." -Bobbi

"The speaker was, as always, excellent. The talk was thorough and enjoyable." -Katie

"The depth of knowledge the speaker, Gary, had about the topic. He was truly an expert. Also, his passion for the subject was engaging." -Leigh

"The speaker was very knowledgeable and kept my interest! Awesome!" -Susan

"I liked the presenter’s passion for the homes of Newport and the inside tidbits he shared" -Dena

"The knowledge of the presenter was great!" -Tena

"Gary does a great job telling the anecdotes and facts about the houses" -Anthony

"Gary is so very very knowledgeable and passes that knowledge on in such a gentle and thorough way!" -Amy

"The photos were beautiful and I learned so much about the gorgeous mansions." -Linn

"Knowledgeable host, responsive to tech difficulties, funny, great content" -Elizabeth

"I liked everything - the content was interesting, the host Gary is very personable and kept my attention. I really enjoyed it and will look to join future webinars. I’ve always loved touring the mansions - since I was young. Thank you!" -Lennie

"I enjoyed Gary's dialog as well as all the fascinating pictures and extra tidbits of information. It brought those days in Newport to life!" -William

"I loved the family history of each house as well as the interior photos." -Diane

"Lots of variety and extensive knowledge of the subject" -Haley

"Easy to access. Interesting subject. The tour guide seemed very nice. Covid friendly." -Ashley

"Very good content. Kept my attention and covered a lot in a relatively short period of time. Very nice overview." -Katelyn

"Host was very knowledgeable about the subject. Lots of visual aids." -Nancy

"The presenter was extremely knowledgeable. The photos were generally of good quality." -Wayne

"I liked the stories of those whom lived in the days. The pictures of the homes. I enjoyed the books that are available. Great resource!!♥️" -Rick

"I liked the speaker, Gary Lawrence, power point presentation of photographs, post cards, and floor plans." -Catherine

"I like the pictures and i liked hearing about his own experiences." -Dena

"Very knowledgeable lecturer and the presentation with the photo albums of the homes was a great way to present the info. Loved lots of photos and hearing stories about that time period. Also enjoyed hearing about and seeing photos of the homes no longer there." -Louise

"I love history I liked the pictures." -Candice

"The narrator and the subject matter. Lots of informative pictures." -Paul

"I liked the way in which the speaker presented the material." -Jeanne

"I loved the history of the development of Newport. The anecdotes helped to personalize the stories." -Diana

"I liked the archival photography and information about lost buildings." -Jenya

"The photos were fabulous and the information about mansion owners was really interesting." -Karen

"I loved the vintage photos; details only the narrator could add since he knew the homes and society in Newport so well." -Lori

"Hello, I grew up on the East Side of Manhattan, and saw some of those buildings when I was a little girl. I especially remember the Brokaw Mansion on Fifth Avenue and 79th Street, as my dear Mother and I had to pass it on our way to Central Park, which was very frequently! I also enjoyed the webinar about Ethan Wharton, learned that she and I have the same birthday, and that she was a born red-head, as I am I!! No wonder I enjoy "The Age of Innocence!" -Eileen

"Very informative. The narrative moved along at a good pace. The pictures were beautiful." -Cynthia

"Good overview of the times, traditions, social demands/expectations, very different people sharing .the same space." -Valerie

"Very informative and like the interesting behind the scenes stories." -Paulette

"Really liked this event. Well researched and informative. Newport is such a beautiful place. Enjoyed the photos. Presenter was knowledgeable and engaging." -Janie

"I loved all the pictures, floor plans, and some of the stories of the houses and the people who owned them." -Judy

"Great photos and knowledge of families and summer homes!" -Karen

"Informative, interesting backstories, great photos." -John

"Well organized...a mix of personal stories and architectural details of various houses." -Jacqueline

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Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age