One of the views from NRF headquarters is the historic Colony House, a Newport Historical Society property. Who better than someone from their staff to share the history of this amazing building. Thank you to Elizabeth Sulock, Manager of Public Outreach & Living History at the Newport Historical Society, who compiled this collection of images to share.
Colony House Windows
The historic windows at 1739 Colony House, located at the head of Washington Square just footsteps from NRF headquarters, have witnessed significant historic events.
This photo essay highlights these noteworthy 12 over 12 Georgian windows through images taken by staff at various events over the last few years.
The Colony House has undergone extensive renovations over the last several years. Seen here, a restoration specialist repairs the brownstone surrounding the façade windows.
Each year on the Fourth of July, we host a reading of the Declaration of Independence in the same location where it was first read in 1776—on the Colony House steps. This image shows a similar celebration for Newport’s 375th anniversary in May 2014 when a crowd gathered to commemorate Newport’s founders.
First Floor:
In the evening the illuminated windows create an elegant atmosphere for passersby.
Each year the Newport Garden Club hangs festive wreaths, such as these, on the Colony House doors.
An up-close look at the massive 12 over 12 windows from inside the Colony House.
Attendees at the Spectacle of Toleration conference (October 2013) enjoy the sunlight that streams through the historic glass.
The first floor is set-up for a dinner party around windows overlooking Washington Square.
Fall sunsets on Washington Square create memorable shadows such as these images of the windows on the back wall.
When dusk hits the Colony House during the holiday season, candles illuminate the windows in a similar fashion to what was practiced during special events in the 18th century.
A view of the 1762 Brick Market at sunset from the Colony House window.
The Colony House is featured on many of the tours presented by Newport History Tours.
The Historical Society hosts regular lectures inside the Colony House. The talk shown here discusses the restoration of the historic Colony House windows (June 2014).
Sunlight shines through the Colony House windows onto the photo exhibit Past Meets Present.
Second Floor:
The early 19th century courtroom, located on second floor, boats windows with historic shutters. Seen here, the shutters are closed during a lecture presented by C. Morgan Grefe, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Society.
You can learn more about the Colony House on the NHS app Explore Historic Newport by visiting NewportHistory.org and searching the Gladys database .
Newport Restoration Foundation 