For 327 years and counting, the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House remains one of the oldest surviving homes in Newport, and arguably one of the most storied with extensive history connected to the Rhode Island colonial government, pre-revolutionary war conflict, the Quakers, and the New England slave trade.

In 2026, on Juneteenth — June 19, 2026, a new chapter will commence as this historic home transforms into the Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History. This center has been developed to memorialize and pay homage to Black history and culture, as an integral part of Newport's history, while celebrating the continued impact in Newport today. Created in deep partnership, this shared space offers reflection, learning, and connection.

Find rotating exhibitions, dynamic programs, special events, and essential scholarship.

Understanding the Past, Preserving the Future.

Learn more about this revitalized landmark to Newport's cultural landscape below.

Fast Facts

Address: 17 Broadway, Newport
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How Much Time Do I Need?: 30 minutes to an hour
Directions & Parking: 17 Broadway, Newport. The center is located across the street from Charter Books. Non-metered parking available directly across from the entrance. Metered street parking and lots available nearby.
Accessibility: Yes, the main entrance on Stone Street is ADA accessible, featuring a ramp into the center. The exhibit space is all on one floor as well.

Tickets

Tickets are available both online and in-person.

Member: Free
Adult: $14
Youth (5 - 18 years): $8
Child (5 and under): Free

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HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1697: Stephen Mumford, founding member of Newport Seventh Day Baptist congregation, is the first to occupy Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, the oldest surviving house in Newport.
1749: Enslaved people by the names of Briston, Jenny and Casen, are brought to the house after the marriage of Ann Brenton Conklin and Martin Howard.
1775: John G. Wanton liberates his servant, Cardardo, from enslavement.
1854: The Newport Historical Society nonprofit is founded in dedication to preserving the rich history of Newport County, becoming one of the oldest nonprofits in Rhode Island and oldest historical societies throughout the United States.
1927: Newport Historical Society purchases the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and assigns a restoration architect named Norman Isham to stabilize and restore the building.
1930: Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House begins operating as a historic house museum with public tours, until transitioning to private tours and events in the 1990s.
1960: Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
1995: The Newport Historical Society commissions a formal structural evaluation, supported in-kind from The Champlin Foundation, the McBean Charitable Trust, and the van Beuren Charitable Foundation through 2001.
2005: An African spirit bundle known as a nkisi is uncovered from the attic floorboards at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. This discovery and its contents date to the later half of the 18th century, indicating physical evidence of enslaved occupants believed to reside at the property.
2016: The nkisi spirit bundle is loaned to the Smithsonian's Museum of African American History where it is part of their inaugural exhibits.
2023: Newport Historical Society receives a $300,000 grant from the National Park Service: Save America's Treasures program (with support of RI Senator Jack Reed) to kickstart efforts to create a designated Center for Black History in Newport.
February 2024: A digitized project and database titled,"Voices from the NHS Archives" is launched by the Newport Historical Society to store more than 4,000 records that center Black and Indigenous experience throughout Newport's history.
August 2024: The $5 million capital Voices Campaign is launched by Newport Historical Society to bring the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History to life.
June 19, 2026: Juneteenth marks the official opening and celebrations of the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History.

"Together, we can build a better understanding of our shared past and how it informs the present - in Newport and beyond." — Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director