Notes from “Gilded Age Newport In Color”

In this presentation, Historian Keith Stokes will highlight the stories of Newporters of African-heritage and their entrepreneurial, political and cultural legacies. Drawing from the “Newport In Color” exhibition shown at Rosecliff last year, attendees will learn about the doctors, dentists, teachers, hospitality professionals and elected officials of color who bolstered the Newport community and its economy during the Gilded Age.

Attendees will enjoy a brief reception in the galleries before the lecture begins. There will be a Q&A session upon conclusion of the lecture.

Keith W. Stokes has dedicated four decades to public service in Rhode Island, with a strong focus on community development. A 9th-generation Rhode Islander, his deep connection to the state is shaped by his family’s African, Jewish, and Caribbean heritage, with ancestral roots that stretch back before the American Revolution. His academic journey includes an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and graduate studies in public policy at the University of Chicago, reflecting a lifelong curiosity about history.

Keith’s passion for history is evident in his work as Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group and in his service on several historical and cultural boards, including the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. He frequently appears on national programs like C-SPAN and Fox News Legends & Lies and authored “A Matter of Truth”, a pivotal publication examining Rhode Island’s historical role in supporting racial segregation. His family’s legacy and his commitment to preserving history continue to guide his work today.