Keynote Speaker
Spouse Programs
Luncheon or Dinner Talks
Entertaining and Informatiove Slide Presentations in an Informal, Formal, or Educational Format
There are several talks of different lengths that I give for groups – both in Newport and in other locations. Below, on this page I have written a brief description of the most popular talk WELCOME TO NEWPORT! This presentation can be done in any location; * denotes with or without slides (i.e. PowerPoint presentation)
- Welcome to Newport! * - A Lively and Entertaining Historical Overview of Four Centuries of Life in Newport description below
- The Gilded Age * - The Era of The Millionaires and Their Mansions
- The National Register of HIstoric Places * - What Is it?
- Colonial Taverns and Drinking Customs in Early Newport
- The Long and Colorful History of America's Oldest Operating Tavern - at the White Horse Tavern on Marlborough Street in old Newport
- Is That Your Pew? * - Seating the Old Meeting House in Colonial TImes - at an old meeting house or with visual presentation at any location
- Historical Archaeology * - "Above Ground" Digging for the Past
- Ghost Stories and Graveyards - with a demonstration of the Art of Gravestone Rubbing
WELCOME TO NEWPORT! A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
WELCOME TO NEWPORT! is an entertaining and informative presentation (with or without slides) during which I tell the story of Newport from its beginnings as a haven for religious refugees in 1639 to its fantastic success as a major seaside resort today.
The story begins (1) with Newport's settlement - less than 20 years after the Mayflower landing. From there the talk covers Newport's rise in the (2) maritime trades, then its (3) Golden Age in the mid-1700s, and on to tell about the devastation of the (4) war years in army-occupied Newport between 1776 and 1782. After the Revolutionary War, Newport had a nearly century-long (5) recovery followed by the grandeur and opulence of the (6) Gilded Age in the late 1800s -- the era of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and others in high society. By the time of the two World Wars, Newport was on its way to becoming a (7) military town -- nearly all Navy. Finally after the end of the Cold War, and a brief era of (8) restoration and rehabilitation, Newport finds itself in the era of (9) Tourism -- its second largest but fastest growing local industry.
One of the moments people seem to like best during this talk is when I share my pictures of me and George Washington. How the photo was taken is good story. The final part of the talk is a bit about what's happening today -- where to go, what to see and do -- all the insider information about what the locals know. There's time for Q & A at the end of the presentation.