August 23, 2014, Washington Square
Reenactment: 1pm-5pm
Stamp Act Party: 5pm-7pm
Newport, Rhode Island is steeped in colonial history. Visitors who have explored Newport’s Old Quarter can’t miss the hundreds of 18th century buildings that make the city a unique heritage tourism destination. It’s only natural that the Newport Historical Society, which owns or oversees five colonial properties and possesses a rich collection of colonial artifacts and documents, is planning a large scale living history experience.
To commemorate one of the first major events that led to the American Revolution, the 1765 Stamp Act protests, the Society will host a team of living history reenactors to mark this historic event through the following afternoon activities.
1:00-3:00 Daily Life on Washington Square
Rain location: Inside the Colony House
There will be six living history stations around Washington Square to demonstrate activities that would have been common in 18th century Newport. These activities include:
• Colonial printer
• Milliner
• Tailor
• Sailors mending a sail
• Members of the Sons of Liberty will make an effigy and prepare for the protest.
• Ladies drink tea, discuss the political situation in town and play games. (Located at the NRF building, 51 Touro Street.)
Visitors to Washington Square can meet the following wandering individuals:
• Martin Howard, a Newport citizen loyal to the Crown who was targeted during this protest.
• John Robinson, the Customs Collector and Crown Official who was caught up in the activity.
• Mrs. Vernon and Mrs. Ellery, wives of the city’s leading merchants and Sons of Liberty.
• Sailors
• A fruit vendor
• A member of the Society of Friends
3:00-4:45 The Protest
• 3:00-3:20 Parading/Hanging the Effigy
• 4:00-4:20 The Protest Starts in Earnest
• 4:20-4:35 Attack on Martin Howard’s House
• 4:35-4:45 Confrontation at the Colony House
5:00-7:00 Party like it’s 1765 at the Colony House
The rabble rousers who initiated the Stamp Act Protest recruited participants by serving them “strong drink and Cheshire cheese.” Following the afternoon protest reenactment, join the interpreters for a Stamp Act Party in the spirit of the 18th century. Learn about the conclusion of the Stamp Act in Newport, including a historic twist causing extra ruckus. Sample Newport Storm beer along with cheese presented by Narragansett Creamery. Loyalists shouldn’t shy away from this party as they can enjoy tea from Empire Tea + Coffee. Modern hors d’oeuvres will also be available, along with other refreshments.
Admission to the Stamp Act Protest is free; donations to the Museum of Newport History (127 Thames Street) to support the event are welcome. Tickets to the Stamp Act Party cost $25 per person, $20 NHS members and can be purchased below.
