"Angry Citizens" will Protest Stamp Act in Newport on Saturday

Walking through the historic streets of Newport can beckon images of Colonial life, thanks to generations of preservation-minded Newporters who have upheld the City-by-the-Sea’s traditions, architecture and history.

On Saturday, it will feel even more quite like 1765 once again as a group of angry residents hang an effigy and lead a vigorous protest against the imposition of crippling taxes by the hand of the King of England and Newport’s colonial masters.

As part of the city’s 375th Anniversary celebrations, a team of costumed interpreters will bring to life the events of Newport’s 1765 Stamp Act protest in the heart of the city’s Old Quarter by Washington Square.

This afternoon living history event portrays life in colonial Newport, from working class sailors to ladies dressed in silk drinking tea. Visitors can glimpse life during the city’s Golden Age on the eve of the American Revolution.

Amidst the afternoon activities, which begin at 1pm, a group of unhappy “citizens” will reenact a condensed version of Newport’s 1765 Stamp Act Protest, one of the first events that sparked the Revolution. This will include creating and hanging an effigy and, at 4pm, leading a group of protests as these 18th century residents express their discontent with the King of England.

Immediately following the protest (around 5pm), join the rabble rousers at the 1739 Colony House, the same location as the original protest, for a Stamp Act Party in the spirit of the 18th century. Learn what happened as the dust from the protest settled, which includes a historic twist.

In the spirit of the 18th century, enjoy “beer and strong cheese” just as the protest participants were served. Sample Newport Storm’s Hurricane Amber Ale, Rhode Island Blueberry, India Point Ale and Summer Hefeweizen, along with cheese presented by Narragansett Creamery. Loyalists shouldn’t shy away from this party as they can enjoy tea from Empire Tea + Coffee. Modern hors d’oeuvres will also be available.

Admission to the Stamp Act Party costs $25 per person, $20 for Newport Historical Society members; the afternoon activities are free. Funds raised from the Stamp Act Party offset event costs and support the Society’s initiatives for future living history programs. To purchase tickets visit: https://StampAct.Eventbrite.com.

This event is sponsored by The Newport Mercury, Newport Storm, Narragansett Creamery and Empire Coffee + Tea, and is supported by the Newport Restoration Foundation.