4th of July News Release

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 16, 2010) –The Washington Square Roots (WSR) initiative will participate in a series of traditional celebrations in Washington Square on Sunday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend the events that honor Newport’s original town common and its ongoing improvements. By encouraging Washington Square’s continued historic, architectural, cultural, and commercial significance, WSR supports prosperity for the Square, its surrounding neighborhoods, and the greater Newport community.

WSR encourages the public to walk back in time and retrace Newport’s July 4, 1810 bicentennial parade route. Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. created a bicentennial map using an 1876 Tax Atlas that showcases both the 1810 parade route and Newport’s architecture at the time of our nation’s centennial. The Newport Daily News will print and distribute the bicentennial map as a newspaper insert on June 30th.

Homes and businesses located on the bicentennial parade route will be decorated with American flags and patriotic bunting. The 2.3 mile self-guided walking tour begins in Washington Square, travels through Newport’s historic 18th century neighborhoods, continues down Long Wharf, and concludes in Washington Square.

The July 4th festivities will include Newport Artillery Company tributes, Peoples’ Parade from Long Wharf to Washington Square, reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Colony House, a picnic and square dance in Washington Square, tours of the Square’s historic landmarks, and special menus at the Square’s restaurants. The Sons of the Revolution will distribute free copies of the Declaration of Independence and American flags. The July 4th celebration will be held rain or shine.

For more information about the Washington Square Roots July 4th celebration visit: www.washingtonsquarerootsblogspot.com


What is the itinerary for the Washington Square Roots July 4th celebration?

9 a.m. – Newport Artillery Company will march from Washington Square to Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery on Farewell Street.
9 a.m. – Self-Guided Walking Tours along Bicentennial Parade Route begin in Washington Square.
9:30 a.m. – Sons of the Revolution will pay tribute to William Ellery, signer of the Declaration of Independence, at his grave at the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street.
10 a.m. – Newport Community Band at Salve Regina University will perform patriotic songs in Washington Square.
10:30 a.m. – Peoples’ Parade will begin on Long Wharf and proceed to Washington Square.
11 a.m. – Sons of the Revolution will read the Declaration of Independence from Colony House. They will also distribute free copies of the Declaration of Independence and American flags.
Noon – Newport Artillery Company will deliver cannon salute in Washington Square.
12:30 – 2 p.m. Community picnic and square dance will take place in Washington Square. Local restaurants will offer special holiday menus and take-out food.


Who is sponsoring the celebration?

The July 4th celebration in Washington Square is a collaborative effort led by the City of Newport, Washington Square Roots, Newport Historical Society, Newport Artillery Company, Sons of the Revolution, Newport Community Band at Salve Regina University, Opera House, Jane Pickens Theater, Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. Visitors Center, Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc., and local businesses .

Where will the bicentennial maps be distributed?

The Newport Daily News will print and distribute the bicentennial maps as an insert on June 30th. Free copies will be available in Washington Square on July 4th.

Which significant landmarks are located on the bicentennial parade route?

Colony House
Brick Market
Opera House
Jane Pickens Theater
Touro Synagogue
Trinity Church
Common Burying Ground & Island Cemetery
William Ellery Park & Tree of Liberty
Gravelly Point
Long Wharf

Where can the public park on July 4th?

Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 23 America’s Cup Avenue
Mary Street Parking Lot, Mary Street (Public Restrooms located here)
Touro Parking Lot, Clarke Street

What are the benefits to the community?

Washington Square’s restoration began in 1999 as a collaborative, community-based effort. The project’s objective was twofold: to preserve the town square that stands as Newport’s centerpiece of nationally significant heritage, and to enhance its economic and cultural vitality. Commissioning and installing a historically accurate bronze horse trough at the foot of the square represents the third phase of this extensive restoration campaign, which entailed:
· repairing or replacing the square’s roads, sidewalks, gutters, utility infrastructure, lighting, benches, amenities, and landscaping.
· widening and installing bluestone sidewalks and setting bluestone curbing around the Colony House, Court House, and Eisenhower Park.
· widening and installing bluestone sidewalks and setting bluestone curbing at the base of the park and square, including the sidewalk along the North side of the square.
· installing a decorative traffic signal
· installing a bronze replica of an 19th century horse trough
What future improvements are planned for Washington Square?
· Completion of the last Phase III of the restoration of Washington Square, which includes widening of the sidewalks along the North side of the Square (the Mall), completion of the repaving of Washington Square and Touro Street, resetting of historic lighting, final utility and infrastructure improvements.
· Architectural lighting of historic buildings.
· Trimming and up-lighting trees.
· Repairing Colony House Clock.
· Master plan for adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings.