By Emily Ferro –
Salve students and Newport residents alike are very familiar with the abundance of tourists who flood our streets on a daily basis. Newport is attractive to travelers and day-trippers at nearly any time of the year. While students readily partake in complaining about the horrendous traffic on America’s Cup (myself included), many of them are quick to forget that we live in the town that so many tourists only get to visit for a few days.
Although certain activities may have young adults clutching their thinly-stuffed wallets protectively, Newport offers many events to make living here worth putting up with hordes of tourists. As Salve students, one advantage we have is our proximity to the cliff walk.
With the ocean in the University’s backyard, the cliff walk is so easily accessible that there is hardly any excuse good enough to keep away from the water for more than one day at a time.
As a freshman, I would frequently walk from Reefe to Miley for breakfast along the cliff walk. Sure, it would add a few minutes on to my travel time, but the view was worth the extra distance.
When students go to class in the mansions that ruled Newport in the Gilded Age, it is surprisingly easy to forget that Newport is a historical town with so much to learn and so much to see. Not only is there a vast amount of history in Newport, but there are many ways to learn about it, too.
There is, of course, the option of visiting the mansions. Each is glamorous and educational
in their own way, and walking around inside any one of these preserved buildings could make anyone jealous of the lifestyle. With some mansion tours costing as little as $15, a visit could be that once-a-semester treat for students.
Another exciting way to learn about history is to visit one of the many historical buildings or museums. Newport is filled with historical buildings available to the public. One way to make the most of these buildings is to view them on a walking tour of Historical Newport. Many of these tours are hosted by the Newport Historical Society.
Media Credit: Emily Ferro - Old Colony House
One such tour is the tour of Newport’s Old Colony House. During October and continuing through November, a special exhibit has been set up in the Old Colony House called Cases and Types: The Lives and Works of Printers in Early Newport. The exhibit shows texts which were written when historical Newport was young, and offers a glance back in time.
If a tour is not in the cards, or the walk seems a bit daunting, the Newport Historical Society still has information to offer.
At the Society’s museum shop, located in the Brick Market, there is a small museum on the top floor, which offers a glimpse into the past.
There is something to look at for everyone—the rooms are filled with artifacts, such as a medicine chest, a printing press, fishing poles, and even a letter written by George Washington. Among their treasure trove, There is bound to be something eye-catching .
Wherever a person lives, he or she should strive to be a part of the community. Since history
has had such a large impact on the life and community of Newport, Salve students and residents
alike should make it their responsibility to contribute to the history. Next time there is nothing to do, students should consider all of the events which tourists are fighting to attend every day, and take part in the history.
For more information on tours or the Newport Historical Society, visit their website at Newporthistorical.org
