How Rhode Island's Gilded Age mansions avoided demolition by becoming profitable cultural attractions.
Due to strategic preservation efforts beginning in the 1940s, Newport's "summer cottages"—including The Breakers with its 70 rooms—survived by transforming from private residences into museums that generate sustainable revenue through public tours.
The Preservation Society of Newport County pioneered heritage tourism models where former Vanderbilt and Astor mansions now employ hundreds while educating millions about Gilded Age architecture and social history.
The Newport preservation demonstrates that magnificent architecture can survive economic change—where converting private palaces to public attractions creates sustainable funding that preserves cultural heritage while generating community economic benefits.
Old Money Mansions
NEWPORT PRESERVATION SUCCESS
How Rhode Island's Gilded Age mansions avoided demolition by becoming profitable cultural attractions.
Due to strategic preservation efforts beginning in the 1940s, Newport's "summer cottages"—including The Breakers with its 70 rooms—survived by transforming from private residences into museums that generate sustainable revenue through public tours.
The Preservation Society of Newport County pioneered heritage tourism models where former Vanderbilt and Astor mansions now employ hundreds while educating millions about Gilded Age architecture and social history.
The Newport preservation demonstrates that magnificent architecture can survive economic change—where converting private palaces to public attractions creates sustainable funding that preserves cultural heritage while generating community economic benefits.
3 months ago | [YT] | 155