The Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC) stands today as one of America’s foremost architectural preservation organizations, safeguarding a collection of 11 properties that span the rich social and architectural history of Newport, Rhode Island. Its transformation from a grassroots effort to a major cultural institution is a testament to the power of community action in protecting irreplaceable heritage.
The PSNC’s origins lie in a moment of crisis in 1945. The Hunter House, an exceptional example of Colonial-era architecture, was threatened with demolition, and its fine Georgian interiors were at risk of being stripped and sold. Alarmed by this potential loss, a group of concerned Newport residents, led by Katherine Warren, rallied together. They pooled resources, formed the Preservation Society of Newport County, and successfully purchased the Hunter House, establishing the organization’s core mission: to protect and preserve Newport’s architectural legacy.
Before & After of The Hunter House (c. 1748)
This initial act of rescue set a precedent. The post-World War II era saw many of Newport’s famed Gilded Age “cottages”—palatial summer homes built by America’s wealthiest families—facing uncertain futures. Inheritance taxes, staggering maintenance costs, and changing lifestyles made these mansions burdensome and impractical for the owners’ descendants. Recognizing the national significance of these structures, the fledgling Society stepped in. Starting with the lease of The Breakers in 1948 (later purchased in 1972) from the Vanderbilt family, the Society began acquiring and opening these magnificent estates to the public.
Isaac Bell House (c. 1882 by McKim, Mead & White)
The mid-20th century marked a period of significant growth for the organization. Properties like Kingscote, The Elms, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer, and Rosecliff were added to the Society’s stewardship. This expansion wasn’t merely about acquisition; it involved developing professional museum standards for curation, interpretation, and conservation. The Society evolved from a volunteer-driven group into a sophisticated organization employing historians, curators, conservators, and educators. They pioneered preservation techniques and established robust educational programs, sharing the stories embedded within the architecture, landscapes, and collections.
The Marble House (c. 1888, Richard Morris Hunt)
Today, the Preservation Society is the steward of eleven historic properties, representing over 250 years of American architectural and social history. It is a major economic engine for the region, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. More importantly, it serves as a model for preservation efforts nationwide, demonstrating how historic sites can be saved, interpreted, and made relevant for contemporary audiences, ensuring that Newport’s unique architectural heritage continues to inspire and educate future generations.
Here is a list of the properties acquired and currently operated by The Preservation Society of Newport County:
- Hunter House (c. 1748) – Purchased 1945
- The Breakers (1895) – Leased 1948, Purchased 1972
- The Breakers Stable & Carriage House (1895) – Leased 1948, Purchased 1972
- Kingscote (1839) – Acquired 1952
- The Elms (1901) – Purchased 1962
- Marble House (1892) – Acquired 1963
- Chateau-sur-Mer (1852) – Acquired 1966
- Rosecliff (1902) – Acquired 1971
- Green Animals Topiary Garden (c. 1860, Topiary begun c. 1905) – Acquired 1972
- Chepstow (1860) – Acquired 1986
- Isaac Bell House (1883) – Purchased 1994
The Breakers (c.1995 by Richard Morris Hunt)
A4 Architecture has been privileged to do multiple projects over the years in many of the various houses and properties owned and operated by the Preservation Society, and A4 Principal, Ross Cann, has served on the Marble House Committee since 2002. Please join us in celebrating and supporting this great “Partner in Preservation” in their mission to “Protect, Preserve, and Present” the architectural treasures they have acquired or been entrusted with since their founding in 1945.
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Ross Sinclair Cann, AIA, LEED AP, is an historian, educator, author and practicing architect living and working in Newport for A4 Architecture. He is the founding Chairman of the Newport Architectural Forum and holds honors degrees in Architectural History and Design from Yale, Cambridge, and Columbia Universities.