Newport Historical Society Debuts "Occupied!" Exhibition

New exhibit explores the three military occupations of Newport during the Revolutionary War

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Newport Historical Society is opening a new exhibition called "Occupied! Newport and the Fight for Independence" that explores the three military occupations of Newport during the Revolutionary War. The exhibition features interactive maps, touch screen storytelling, and artifacts from the society's collections to highlight the experiences of both Newporters and the Continental, British, and French soldiers stationed on Aquidneck Island.

Why it matters

Newport was a strategically important seaport that changed hands more than any other major city in North America during the Revolutionary War. This new exhibition aims to uncover the untold stories of how the early days of the nation transformed the city and had lasting consequences that are still felt today.

The details

The "Occupied!" exhibition debuts on Thursday, Feb. 19 and will be on display through the end of 2026 as part of the society's programming to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. It was designed by H2 Design Studio and curated by historian Donald Johnson, an associate professor at North Dakota State University and author of "Occupied America: British Military Rule and the Experience of Revolution."

  • The exhibition debuts on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
  • It will be on display through the end of 2026.

The players

Newport Historical Society

A historical organization that preserves and shares the history of Newport, Rhode Island.

Rebecca Bertrand

The executive director of the Newport Historical Society.

Donald Johnson

An associate professor of history at North Dakota State University and the curator of the "Occupied!" exhibition. He is the author of "Occupied America: British Military Rule and the Experience of Revolution."

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What they’re saying

“Inside a square mile, Newport holds untold treasures, including some of the nation's most consequential colonial landmarks. In this new exhibition, we uncover those stories and help visitors experience how the early days of our nation transformed our city — and the lasting consequences we continue to feel today.”

— Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director, Newport Historical Society

“Highlighting the experiences of both Newporters and the Continental, British, and French soldiers stationed on Aquidneck Island during the Revolutionary War, the exhibit stresses not just the abuses and privations of military rule but also delves into the friendships, business partnerships, and even romances that flourished between city residents and foreign occupiers.”

— Donald Johnson, Curator, "Occupied!" Exhibition

What’s next

The exhibition opens with a reception on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for non-members, $5 for Newport Winter Fest bracelet holders and free for NHS members.

The takeaway

This new exhibition at the Newport Historical Society aims to uncover the untold stories of how Newport's strategic location and role in the Revolutionary War transformed the city, with lasting consequences that are still felt today. By highlighting the experiences of both Newporters and the occupying forces, the exhibition provides a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in American history.