See the Historic Whitehall Museum House
Built in early 1700s by the renowned Irish philosopher and educator, Bishop George Berkeley, the Whitehall Museum House has undergone several restorations throughout the years. Berkeley purchased the 96 acres of farmland while waiting for funds he was to use to establish a college in Bermuda. When the funds did not arrive, Berkeley returned to Ireland, leaving the estate to Yale College.
The Whitehall Museum House was used by Yale College to rent to tenants. During the Revolution, the Whitehall house was used to house British soldiers. Five generations of one family farmed the land for the next 100 years, finally deserting it in 1880.
Three women purchased the abandoned house in 1997 and after extensive repairs were made, the Whitehall Museum House was given to The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in 1900. The Whitehall Museum House took with it a condition that it be maintained by the National Society as a memorial to Bishop Berkeley.
After numerous restorations, the Whitehall Museum House now exhibits period furnishings with a garden maintained by the Newport Garden Club. The house is an unusual hip-roof building and a sloping lean-to across the back. The herb garden and furnishings resemble the period of 1729-1731 when it was occupied by Berkeley. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Whitehall Museum House has been opened to the public during the summer hours since 1900. Currently, the Whitehall Museum House is open from July 1 through August 31 from Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Admission for adults is $3 while children 6-12 are admitted for only $1.
The Whitehall Museum House was used by Yale College to rent to tenants. During the Revolution, the Whitehall house was used to house British soldiers. Five generations of one family farmed the land for the next 100 years, finally deserting it in 1880.
Three women purchased the abandoned house in 1997 and after extensive repairs were made, the Whitehall Museum House was given to The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in 1900. The Whitehall Museum House took with it a condition that it be maintained by the National Society as a memorial to Bishop Berkeley.
After numerous restorations, the Whitehall Museum House now exhibits period furnishings with a garden maintained by the Newport Garden Club. The house is an unusual hip-roof building and a sloping lean-to across the back. The herb garden and furnishings resemble the period of 1729-1731 when it was occupied by Berkeley. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Whitehall Museum House has been opened to the public during the summer hours since 1900. Currently, the Whitehall Museum House is open from July 1 through August 31 from Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Admission for adults is $3 while children 6-12 are admitted for only $1.
