Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children ages 6 and older can participate; children under 6 are admitted free but may not be able to join the tour comfortably.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins and ends at the Museum of Newport History and Shop, 127 Thames Street, Newport, RI.

Can I visit the museum exhibit outside of tour times?

Yes, the "Raise the Alarm" exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm at the NHS Resource Center, 82 Touro Street.

Are there any discounts available?

Tour prices include discounts for museum members and children; plus, participants receive 10% off purchases at the Museum Shop.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details are not specified, so contacting the museum directly for accommodations is recommended.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Booking in advance is advised, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot on the tour.

Raise the Alarm: Exploring Newport’s Fiery Past on a Historic Walking Tour

Step back through the embers of time on the "Raise the Alarm" walking tour, a unique journey into Newport's storied firefighting history. Located in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island, this 1.5-hour guided walk invites history buffs and curious travelers alike to discover the city's relationship with fire, from early volunteer fire clubs to the creation of its official fire department. Newport, a coastal city known for its colonial charm and waterfront mansions, reveals a different side through this adventure focused on the grit and bravery behind its fire prevention and response legacy.

Starting at the Museum of Newport History on Thames Street, participants check in inside the museum shop where the tour begins. From there, the walk explores significant landmarks tied to pivotal fires that shaped the city’s infrastructure and community safety norms. A highlight includes a visit to Station 5, a firehouse with over 130 years of service history that stands as a crucial part of Newport’s firefighting story. Winding through Newport’s historic districts, the tour sheds light on the evolution of firefighting technology and unveils tales of heroic firefighters who risked everything to protect the city.

This tour stands out for its close integration with the Newport Historical Society’s exhibit, "Raise the Alarm: Newport Fire Department Through the Decades." Guests receive free admission to the Museum of Newport History either before or after their walk, providing a deeper look at the artifacts and narratives that complement the outdoor experience. Travelers can also enjoy a 10% discount at the Museum Shop, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs related to local history.

Newport itself offers an evocative backdrop: cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and colonial architecture provide a rich context for this walk through fire prevention history. This tour uniquely blends outdoor exploration with indoor museum learning, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all ages.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a visitor seeking a less typical Newport outing, "Raise the Alarm" delivers a close-up view of a vital but often overlooked aspect of this maritime town’s heritage. It reveals how firefighting efforts not only saved lives but helped shape the city’s character and resilience through the centuries.

About Newport History Tours

Newport History Tours offers expert-led walking tours and self-guided experiences in Newport, Rhode Island, focused on the city’s layered past.
The company presents a curated program of guided walks, lantern tours, themed historical events, and a QR-code self-guided visit to the Colony House.
Tours explore Colonial Newport, African American maritime heritage, Revolutionary-era events, the transition from the Golden Age to the Gilded Age, and the evolution of local firefighting.
Several walking tours are designed to run in about an hour, offering concise, accessible history for visitors of all ages.
Guided experiences include lantern-lit cemetery walks, narrative-driven explorations of legends and lore, and programs that highlight maritime culture within the African diaspora.
Public events such as “Two Lights for Liberty: Sip & Celebrate America 250” pair historic settings with craft refreshments to mark civic anniversaries and support local historical initiatives.
The Colony House Self-Guided QR Code Tour enables flexible, smartphone-accessible exploration of an iconic colonial landmark.
Newport History Tours emphasizes factual storytelling anchored in documented places and artifacts across the city.
Presentations reference local sites including Station 5 and the Common Burying Ground, and they incorporate accounts of entrepreneurship, religious diversity, civic unrest, and community resilience.
The approach balances scholarly research and engaging narrative to make Newport’s history approachable for families, independent travelers, and history enthusiasts.
Visitors seeking concise, site-specific historical context, thematic depth, or seasonal evening programming will find a range of options tailored to different interests and mobility levels.
Bookings and schedules are available on the company website directly.