Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Tuesday, August 18th, at 11:30am for “Life at the Fort,” a member-exclusive tour of Fort Adams in Newport.
Fort Adams, which is more than granite walls and artillery placements — it is a place shaped by people. On this immersive tour, you’ll discover the human stories behind the stone: the engineers who designed its defenses, the laborers who constructed its massive walls, and the soldiers who stood watch over Newport Harbor.
Life at the Fort meant more than military drills. It meant routines, responsibilities, and relationships. You’ll learn what daily life looked like inside a 19th-century coastal fort — from living quarters and rations to discipline and downtime.
This tour also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of workers and families connected to the Fort. Behind every cannon and casemate were individuals whose labor and service sustained the operation of this strategic stronghold.
Set against sweeping harbor views and historic architecture, Life at the Fort offers a deeply personal perspective on one of Rhode Island’s most significant landmarks.

