Servant Life Tour at The Elms
Recent research has revealed new details about life behind the scenes in the great houses of Newport. These include the stories of The Elms butler, Ernest Birch; his wife, cook Grace Rhodes; and one of the maids, Nellie Lynch Regoli. The tour also delves into the realities of immigration, employment and labor disputes in the early 20th century.
You’ll climb 120 stairs throughout the tour, including the back staircase from the basement servant entrance up to the third-floor staff quarters, where you’ll see exhibits and photographs about the individual men and women who lived and worked here. Weather permitting, your tour will take you out onto the roof for a spectacular view of the 10-acre estate and Newport Harbor beyond. Then, head back down the stairs to the basement kitchens, coal cellar, boiler room and laundry rooms.
What You Need to Know
The Elms, 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
This Tour is Open Fridays - Sundays at 12:00 PM
- Each tour is limited to 12 guests. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Purchase tickets at any of our open houses or online.
- Duration of the tour is approximately one hour, 15 minutes.
- This is a specialty tour that does not include the main part of The Elms.
Tickets:
$25 Adults, $20 Member Adults, $10 Youth (6-12)
This is a true upstairs/downstairs tour. You will climb and descend 120 stairs and must stay together as a group. There is no elevator available for public use.
Please Note:
- Tours not available April 6 - May 8
- May 9 - May 31, tours offered at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- June 1 - November 1, tours offered at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM
