Teacher Resources
The Newport Historical Society is pleased to offer a variety of exciting interactive programs for grades 1-12. For information and reservations, contact Director of Education at (401) 846-0813 or info @ newporthistorical.org.
Revolutionary Newport: Exploring the American Revolution At the Newport Colony House & the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
Grades: 4 through 8
Duration: 2.5 hours
On a 2-3 hour interactive, standards-based program in historic downtown Newport, R.I., students discover the experiences of Newport’s diverse inhabitants—Patriots & Tories; soldiers & civilians; enslaved & free people; and men, women & children—before and during the American Revolution.
Inside the 1739 Colony House, students perform brief readers’ theatre skits focused on three key events that occurred here: the 1765 Stamp Act riot, a 1776 reading of the Declaration of Independence, and the 1778 formation of Rhode Island’s Black Regiment.
On an interactive tour through the nearby ca.1697 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, students examine evidence from recent research and archaeology and learn about the experiences of the house’s diverse inhabitants during the war.
Polly Wanton
Students also meet a costumed role player representing “Polly” Wanton, who was a teenager in Newport during the revolution. “Polly” engages students in discussion, revealing her experiences during the war and her hopes for the future.
Learn more, and chat with Polly Wanton on her Facebook page by following the link below, and asking Polly to be your friend.
Polly’s Page: Click here to view Polly’s Facebook page.
This program was created through support from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this tour do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Diversity Works: The History of Liberty of Conscience In Colonial Newport
Grades: 5 through 12
Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Explore colonial Newport’s remarkable religious diversity on a walking tour that includes tours inside the Great Friends (Quaker) Meeting House (1730), Trinity (Anglican) Church (1726), the Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House (1730), and Touro Synagogue (1763). Discuss the state’s unique heritage of religious toleration, and see the sites of Newport’s first African-American and Catholic churches.
Offered in partnership with the Touro Synagogue Foundation and Trinity Church.
History Detective Tour
Grades: 2 through 5
Duration: 1- 1.5 hours
Discover Newport’s colonial history& its extraordinary architecture on an interactive guided tour. Participants work in pairs to complete a worksheet, recording their observations in words and drawings.
Offered in partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation.
