In June of 2011, The Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center opened to the public.  Located in the best known Irish-American neighborhood in Newport, this museum teaches visitors about the Irish immigration to Newport County from the 1600’s to the present.  It showcases the many contributions made by Irish community members through a variety of exhibits.  The exhibits include maps, photographs, videos, and artifacts that display multiple aspects of the local Irish community.  They also have a display of Irish history and artifacts at the Fort Adams Visitors Center.  Every March, they also host a free bus tour, called “Irish Newport,” that takes visitors to various Irish related sites, including Fort Adams, the Forty Steps and the Barney Street Cemetery.

The Museum was founded by Vincent J. Arnold, whose passion for Irish History inspired the creation of this Museum as well as the Michael F. Crowley Lecture Series, which hosts five to six lectures per year on various Irish History and cultural topics.   He remained president of the Museum until his death in April, 2014.

This museum is open Thursdays through Sundays (12pm-5pm) starting in late May until late October.  It is located at 648 Lower Thames Street