Touro Synagogue
National Historic Site

Touro Synagogue, dedicated in 1762, is the oldest synagogue in the United States and the only one that survives from the colonial era. The congregation was founded in 1658 by Sephardim, descendants of Marranos who fled the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal and who were themselves seeking a haven from religious persecution in the Caribbean.A trap door under the bimah is symbolic of their fear and apprehension.

But in America they, like millions of others, found the religious toleration they had so long sought. In his famous letter to "The Hebrew Congregation in Newport," written in 1790, President George Washington pledged that the new nation would"give to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance" and thereby set the standard for religious freedom and civil liberties in America.

The synagogue was designed by noted colonial architect Peter Harrison and is considered one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture in America. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1946. Today, it continues to serve an active congregation.

VISITATION:

Highest in July and August, lowest in winter months; estimated 25,000 visitors annually. Highest in summer; lowest in winter.

LOCATION:

Newport, Rhode Island

ADDRESS:

Offices and administrative center: 85 Touro Street, Newport, RI
Synagogue: 72 Touro Street, Newport, RI

TELEPHONE:

401/847-4794

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

July 4 through Labor Day: Sunday through Friday, 10 - 4
Labor Day through Columbus Day and Memorial Day to July 4: Monday through Friday, 1 - 3, Sunday, 11 - 3
Columbus Day to Memorial Day: Sunday, 1 - 3, Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. by appointment.

The last tour is one-half hour before closing. Visitors must be accompanied by a guide.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

New England weather is subject to rapid change. Temperature during the summer is in the 70s to 90s, and during spring and fall in the 50s to 70s.

Please dress appropriately for visiting a house of worship, e.g. no bare feet, no bathing suits.

TRANSPORTATION:

Touro Synagogue is located in downtown Newport, close to the intersection of Spring and Touro Streets, and Washington Square. It is a five minute walk from Newport's Gateway Center, a visitor information center, which is also a bus station.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Free admission to the synagogue for individuals and families. Groups of ten or more $25 per group. Please call in advance for group reservations.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Programs, Activities
Regularly scheduled guided tours are available daily.

Lodging and camping facilities:

Not within the site. Lodging and camping in Newport and surrounding area; many hotels and B&Bs in the area in a range of prices.

Food/supplies:

Many local restaurants within walking distance of the site. Nearby supermarkets.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A gift shop, adjacent to the synagogue, is open during tour hours, and is managed by the Society of friends of Touro Synagogue. Shop offers books Judaica, visitor-oriented items.

Accessibility:

Accessible with assistance. No ramps.

Special needs

Call Touro office with inquiries

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for groups of ten or more should be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. Please call.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATION:

The synagogue tour is approximately 25 minutes long. Allow extra time to visit the gift shop. Allow extra time for summer traffic in Newport.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE

Interpretive tour of the synagogue as part of the Newport experience. Absorb the historical ambience while walking through the local neighborhoods.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

July - Founders Day Program, honoring a member of the Society of Friends

August - George Washington Letter Reading Ceremony and Anniversary Week activities. Each August, in celebration of our precious and unique heritage of religious freedom, the society of Friends of Touro Synagogue holds a special program that features a reading from Washington's famous letter. During the program, the Judge Alexander George Teitz Award is presented to an individual who, by word or deed, exemplifies the ideas set forth by Washington in his letter.

The synagogue holds regularly scheduled services Saturday mornings at 8:45, and Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. during the summer months and 6:00 p.m. during the winter.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Touro Synagogue closes for tours on religious holidays and all Saturdays. Weather, such as blizzards and hurricanes, which would prevent our staff from showing up would also, we hope, cause visitors to think twice about visiting. Call to determine the tour schedule if you are in doubt.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Colonial Jewish burying ground, Patriots Park, Preservation Society mansions, Tennis Hall of Fame, Fort Adams, beaches, galleries, waterfront shops, music festivals, sites of religious freedom. Call the Gateway Center for visitor information for Newport County: 401/849-8048

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
85 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840

Last Updated:Monday, 08-Dec-97 11:11:13
http://www.nps.gov/tosy/