Upcoming fall programs by The Preservation Society of Newport County will touch on a wide range of subjects from architecture and art to mooncakes and outer space.

For more information and ticketing, go to www.newportmansions.org/events.

"A Closer Look at Richard Morris Hunt" with Leslie Jones, Director of Museum Affairs and Chief Curator, The Preservation Society of Newport County

Thursday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m. at Rosecliff and via Zoom

Richard Morris Hunt has long been associated with contributions of extraordinary architecture that provided the grand backdrop for America’s Gilded Age. But Hunt also envisioned creating a national identity beyond physical structures; he sought to influence America’s cultural identity. Jones’ talk relates to the current exhibition at Rosecliff, “Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light,” which will be open for viewing before and after the lecture.

Caption: Portrait of Richard Morris Hunt by Thomas Couture, currently displayed in the exhibition at Rosecliff, "Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light." (Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery

Mid-Autumn Festival

Monday, October 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Chinese Tea House and Marble House grounds

Welcome fall with the family at this celebration of a 3,000-year-old Chinese tradition that celebrates togetherness. Also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, the program includes a Lion Dance, a traditional tea ceremony, craftmaking and mooncakes.

Caption: A mother and daughter pose with their newly made lanterns during a past Mid-Autumn Festival at the Chinese Tea House at Marble House. (The Preservation Society of Newport County)

Plein Air Watercolor Painting Class with award-winning artist Bill Lane

Thursday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Elms

This daylong workshop is offered in the beautiful landscape and gardens of The Elms and is for intermediate and above-level watercolorists. It will include a demonstration, discussion of scene selection, planning composition and determining values, and the session will conclude with an informal critique.

Caption: A participant works on her painting during a recent Plein Air Watercolor Painting Class hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County. (The Preservation Society of Newport County)

"Mars and the Gilded Age Imagination" with David Baron, award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author

Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. at Rosecliff and via Zoom

Delve into Gilded Age America’s fascination with Mars. Sparked by an aristocratic Bostonian’s claims to have “proof” of an advanced civilization on the Red Planet, the belief became so widespread that it was discussed in the newspapers, on the Broadway stage and even from the pulpit.

Caption: "Is Mars Inhabited?", Cosmopolitan Magazine, March 1908 (Courtesy of Boston Public Library)