The Elms - Servant Life Tour

You’ll hear the stories of the butler, Ernest Birch; his wife, cook Grace Rhodes; and one of the maids, Nellie Lynch Regoli. Recent research has revealed new details about life behind-the-scenes in the great houses of Newport. Included in the tour is new information about immigration, employment and labor disputes in the early 20th century.

You’ll climb the 82 stairs of 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 ten-acre estate and Newport Harbor beyond. Then, head back down the stairs to the basement kitchens, coal cellar, boiler room and laundry rooms.