Legendary Locals of Newport Lecture

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Newport was established by colonists seeking religious freedom in 1639, and throughout the following four centuries residents continued to make history. Past and present legendary locals have helped turn the City-by-the-Sea into a center for education, arts and philanthropy and have made significant contributions to its history at large. Many of these individuals are featured in the new book Legendary Locals of Newport.

Stone carvers John “Fud” Benson and son Nick utilize time-honored techniques etching gravestones and memorials by hand in the oldest trade shop in the country, while nearby the high-tech yachts dock at the Dana family’s Newport Shipyard. Newporter and Navy SEAL Terry Moy helped the last Apollo mission land safely back on Earth, while advocate Florence Gray helped keep affordable housing residents grounded only a few blocks from the city’s upscale neighborhoods.

Aquidneck Island native Annie Sherman is the editor of Newport Life Magazine, and lives in Newport with her husband. A book signing will follow the lecture.