The Beechwood Theatre Company portrays Mrs. Astor's family, friends, and domestic staff at the height of the Victorian Era at the Astors' Newport mansion. They welcome visitors to the mansion, offering a spirited interpretation of Victorian society not found elsewhere.

Victorian Servants Tours

If you visit during the winter or early spring, you will apply for a
position on Mrs. Astor's staff. Guests are shown about by
footmen and housemaids for an insiders look on what it's really
like to work for the queen of American society.

Please note: experienced housemaids and footmen with references are preferred.

Victorian Tours

The family arrives in late May and you'll get a chance to meet both family members and the domestics when you call. Of course, you are part of the Astor social circle, The 400, and are treated as very welcome guests by the family.

Whether sneaking into the servants' quarters or ascending the grand staircase, you will believe, just for a moment, that you have stepped back to a time gone by.

School Vacation Tour Hours: We will be open daily for tours beginning at 10am April 11-20. We will also offer afternoon touring the week of April 21-25. Visit our calendar for tour schedules.

   

Music is in the air!

Late May through December all tours
feature music by the talented members
of the Beechwood Theatre Company.

You might stumble upon a family friend practicing for a private concert or
one of the Astor daughters rehearsing for the evening salon. Whichever the
case, you will get a glimpse of the wonderful music of the era.

"You'll get bits of gossip from the maids in the bedrooms and maybe even get to meet Mrs. Astor herself in the ballroom. It all makes for a very lively tour, and, needless to say, one much more appealing to kids than most of the Newport displays of 19th-century conspicuous consumption."