French Programming Offered in Newport this July

May 28, 2015

New England is abuzz with the approaching visit of the Hermione, a reproduction of The Marquis de Lafayette’s ship that is sailing from France across the Atlantic Ocean and up the east coast.

To celebrate the Hermione’s visit to Newport, which runs July 8th-July 10th, the Newport Historical Society will offer programming relating to Newport’s French occupation during the Revolutionary War, featuring a living history program and a walking tour, and Island Moving Company will present Nuit Blanche, an evening evoking Paris’ legendary all-night arts festival. The Newport Historical Society will also debut an exhibit this summer that presents details about the French in 18th century Newport; details forthcoming.

Illuminating the American Revolution: A Living History Event
Thursday, July 9, 2015 from 11am-2pm
Colony House, Washington Square, Newport, RI
Admission is free, donations welcome
French troops arrived in Newport in July 1780 and occupied the city for nearly a year before marching south and helping Americans win the War for Independence. When they first set foot on Newport’s shore, many locals were wary and suspicious of the eminent arrival of a foreign force, so soon after the hostile British occupation. As a gesture of kindness, Newport officials organized an illumination, requiring residents to light candles in their windows at dusk to welcome their new allies. For those who could not afford candles, they were provided.

This interactive living history program will illustrate preparations for the illumination. A group of costumed interpreters will share their thoughts about being occupied by French soldiers as candles are “donated and distributed” to residents. Learn about life in war-torn Newport, gossip about the French and gain insight on what it was like to live during this pivotal time in American history. Click here for additional details.

French in Newport Walking Tour
July 11, 2015 at 11am
Brick Market: Museum & Shop, 127 Thames Street, Newport, RI
$15 per person, $10 Newport Historical Society members
To register call 401-841-8770
Explore the heart of 18th century Newport and discuss the year-long period in which roughly 12,000 French soldiers and sailors occupied the city alongside Newport citizens during the American Revolution. Learn how the French contribution to the Revolutionary War was vital to the success of American Independence—and it began in Newport. For more information, click here.

IMC30cooperNuit Blanche: Cote d’Azur
July 10, 2015 Cocktails at 7:30pm, Performance at 9pm
Wyndham, 36 Beacon Road, Newport, RI; Valet Parking Available
Tickets start at $175 and can be purchased at IslandMovingCo.org
The evening, Nuit Blanche: Cote d’Azur, celebrates the fabulous French Riviera of the 1930’s. Island Moving Co. has invited musicians, singers, painters and other artists to join the Company’s dancers in short performances set among the lawns and rockscapes of Wyndham’s sweeping grounds. The evening includes a live auction, emceed by Bob Colonna, French inspired hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and dancing for all to music by Larry Brown’s 16 piece Swinglane Orchestra. All proceeds support the education programs and collaborative creative programs of the Island Moving Co.