Summer Children's Workshops Offered at the Newport Mansions

(Newport, RI)  Parents looking for fun, creative and educational activities for their children this summer can sign them up for one or more three-day workshops at the Newport Mansions focusing on conservation, landscape design and architecture.

             The Preservation Society of Newport County is offering three experiences for children between the ages of 8 and 13, to help them learn about and be inspired by art, history, culture, and the value of preservation.  Each program runs three days, Tuesday through Thursday.  Children will meet, interact with and learn from the Preservation Society's staff and guest speakers on various projects, and get behind-the-scenes tours and access.

             "We want young people to learn early on that museums and historic sites are exciting places to visit and work, and why preservation is so important,"  said Preservation Society CEO & Executive Director Trudy Coxe. "These workshops will give them a chance to hear from top experts, promote problem-solving and creative thinking, and let them get hands-on experience developing their own projects."

             During the Conservation Club, which runs from July 29-31, 2014, children will learn about museum collections management and object conservation; tour the conservation shop; learn the techniques of gilding; and assist with a sculpture conservation project under the supervision of professional conservators.

             In the Landscape Design Club, August 5-7, enrollees will visit and tour The Elms Sunken Garden and Green Animals Topiary Garden, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of The Breakers Greenhouse; learn how to identify different species of trees and how to care for historic landscapes; and assist the Preservation Society's staff in planting and harvesting vegetables.

             During the Architecture Club, from August 12-14, students will learn about different styles of architecture and what it takes to preserve historic properties; go on a house design scavenger hunt; learn drafting techniques as they design their own building addition; and assist with a restoration project under the supervision of preservation staff.

             Each child will also get to work on a project to take home that will be showcased at the end of each three-day program.

     Admission is $150 per three-day session for Preservation Society members; $175 for non-members.  Space is limited, and advance reservations are required.  For more information and to make reservations, contact Brittany Hullinger at BHullinger@NewportMansions.org, or (401) 847-1000 ext. 154.

          The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area's historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history.  Its 11 historic properties--seven of them National Historic Landmarks--span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.