Born in 1842, Ida Lewis assumed the keeping of Lime Rock Light in Newport, RI at the age of 15. Set against the backdrop of a country in turmoil and progress, including the Civil War and the Women’s Suffrage Movement, Ida’s seemingly unexceptional life took a drastic turn when the world discovered that she’d been silently saving the lives of countless sailors. Fame took her in hand and, overnight, she became an international sensation. Something she neither wanted nor got accustomed to.
On Thursday May 11, 2023 at 5:30pm, the Newport Historical Society will host the event “Exploring Ida Lewis” with Lenore Skomal, author of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter (Rowman & Littlefield), and filmmaker Nico Raineau. Skomal will share insight on Ida Lewis’s life as featured in her popular text. Originally published under the title Keeper of Lime Rock, this event marks the start of Skomal’s 20th anniversary book tour. Raineau will join via Zoom to discuss his screenplay, adapted from Skomal’s book, to be produced as a major motion picture.
The Newport Historical Society holds objects and documents that belonged to Ida Lewis, including a ring and her rowboat Rescue. Select items will be on display during the talk allowing an up-close look to those wanting to learn more about Ida Lewis’s life.
Lenore Skomal, a career author, playwright, theatre and film producer, has written twelve books. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter: The Remarkable True Story of American Heroine Ida Lewis, her first book of nonfiction, was honored with the New York Public Library’s Best Book Award of 2003. As a New York City-based Off-Broadway theatre producer, she is also the founder and director of Broadway Bound Theatre Festival–which produces and presents 20 new plays annually. Her work has garnered many prestigious awards.
Nico Raineau is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has aired on Hulu, HBO, Netflix, Paramount+, and Funny or Die. Originally from Mystic, Connecticut, his career began as the assistant to actor/director Ben Affleck on the film The Town, before transitioning into creative development for other A-list talent and Academy Award winning Producers. His short films have screened worldwide and he has won accolades at many film festivals. As a feminist and social activist, Nico is committed to promoting gender parity and multi-cultural representation throughout his various projects.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter is available for purchase at NewportHistoryShop.com. A book signing will follow the talk. General admission costs $15 per person, $10 for Newport Historical Society members and for active-duty military.
