Just like The Celestial City exhibition last year that shined a light on the contributions by the Chinese in Newport, Gilded Age Newport in Color is the story of a rich and vibrant black culture and their many contributions to the community. The exhibition is available for viewing March 15th to June 30th at Rosecliff.
The Gilded Invite
Invitations during the Gilded Age arrived by thick envelope with calligraphy styled penmanship. Today, it arrives via “Paperless post” to your email inbox. It’s like receiving a delicious treat! Regardless of the delivery method, this event was an important story to tell.
Gilded Age Newport In Color: Celebrating Women
Women are once again at the forefront of this extraordinary wave. As we covered in the Gilded Age Orchestra, where women struggled to achieve recognition in male dominated orchestras, women of colour fought against societal discrimination of their gender and race! Their resolve and determination, however, knows no bounds. These women went on to career achievements as writer, journalist, singer, founder and even a medical doctor (MD). For the latter, Dr. Harriet Rice found it impossible to find any work in an American hospital. So, she forged her own path!
Gilded Age Newport In Color: Black Entrepreneurs
Many black heritage business entrepreneurs who thrived during the Gilded Age had a particular link to slavery, either directly or indirectly through their parents or grandparents. That’s what makes their entrepreneurial spirit so extraordinary.
George T. Downing was a successful hospitality entrepreneur who started a catering business in New York City, and following in his father’s footsteps, he built a thriving enterprise. This led to summers in Newport, Rhode Island where he purchased a Bellevue Avenue estate and built the Sea Girt House, a luxury hotel. Downing was also an active civil rights and community leader. He fought for equal education for black children and integration in public schools. Additionally, he was an anti-slavery activist and equal rights defender for black heritage in the United States.
Downing’s grand parents were freed from slavery by their ‘master’ John Downing, who converted to methodism. They subsequently took his surname and also became methodists.
Gilded Age Newport In Color: Family Heirlooms
The exhibition tells the story of some amazing black heritage “movers and shakers,” artisans and entrepreneurs. But mostly it’s about family ties and connections, deeply rooted in Newport and beyond, one of whom was the Barclay Family. These precious family heirlooms are part of the exhibition at Rosecliff.
The adorable Barclay children prominently featured in mixed media on canvas.
The Barclay Family heirloom also includes an edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
