Newport History Tours Announces 2013 Winter Festival Schedule

New England's largest winter extravaganza, Newport's Winter Festival begins February 15, 2013 and runs through February 24, 2013. During that time, Newport History Tours, a partnership between the Newport Historical Society and the Newport Restoration Foundation, will offer daily walking tours of Newport's Old Quarter.

"Many locals, and visitors, find that this is the best time of year to visit downtown Newport," explains the Newport Historical Society's Director of Education Ingrid Peters, who co-manages the tour program. "Parking isn't as limited as during the peak season. It's a good time to bundle up and walk around Newport's historic streets and learn about the city's history with an expert guide."

Tours will include: Discover Colonial Newport, Golden to Gilded, Souls and Stones, Rogues and Scoundrels along with Road to Independence. The schedule is:

Discover Colonial Newport
February 15, February 19 at 11am
Hear stories of revolution and ruin, struggles for religious liberty and remarkable entrepreneurship among Newport's diverse people.

Lantern Tour of Colonial Newport
February 15, February 22 at 4:30pm
Feel transported through time to the heyday of this thriving colonial metropolis on a lantern-lit stroll through Newport's Historic Hill.

Golden to Gilded
February 16, February 20 at 11am
From Newport's coloniAl Golden Age to Gilded Age summer colony, discover the transformation of the city and its people.

Souls and Stones
February 17, February 24 at 11am
Explore The Common Burying Ground. View the remarkable gravestones that make this cemetery a work of art and learn about select colonial-era and 19th century residents who helped shape Newport's history.

Rogues and Scoundrels Walking Tour
February 18, February 23 at 11am
See where scoundrels lived, where pirates profited, and where criminals were punished. Find out why this colony was sometimes known as "Rogue's Island."

Road to Independence Walking Tour
February 21 at 11am
Riots and rebellion, enemies and allies! Hear stories from the years surrounding the American Revolution in Newport.

Rum Merchants & Rum Runners Walking Tour
February 22 at 11am
From thriving colonial rum trade through the temperance movement and Prohibition era smuggling, learn about the changing role of alcohol in Newport.

All tours depart from The Newport Historical Society's Museum & Shop at Brick Market located at 127 Thames Street, Newport, RI, 401-841-8770. Tours cost $12 per person, $10 for NHS member and for those who purchase a Winter Festival button. Tours depart weather permitting and last approximately 75 minutes; reservations suggested as space is limited. For more information, visit http://www.NewportHistoryTours.org.