Mystery at the Museum
SOLVE THE CRIME! Search the galleries for clues and interrogate the suspects...
Bring the whole family, come with a group of friends, or test your sleuthing skills alone for 90 minutes of fast-paced fun and interactive entertainment at the Newport Art Museum!
View the Museum's beautiful architecture and historical and contemporary art on display. Its permanent collections and changing exhibits feature works created by Rhode Island and southern New England artists.
You'll be guaranteed to meet a cast of colorful characters dressed in gorgeous period costumes...but be careful who you trust, or you might just end up the victim!
Bring the whole family, come with a group of friends, or test your sleuthing skills alone for 90 minutes of fast-paced fun and interactive entertainment at the Newport Art Museum!
View the Museum's beautiful architecture and historical and contemporary art on display. Its permanent collections and changing exhibits feature works created by Rhode Island and southern New England artists.
You'll be guaranteed to meet a cast of colorful characters dressed in gorgeous period costumes...but be careful who you trust, or you might just end up the victim!
Performance Venue:
NEWPORT ART MUSEUM
76 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401-848-8200
www.NewportArtMuseum.org
FREE PARKING IN LOTS
Have questions? Want more information? Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us directly by phone (401-324-9436) or email (shows@newportmurdermystery.com).
Groups welcome! Parties of 20 or more can receive $5.00 off per ticket. Purchase online or call for more details. Celebrate your bachelorette party, birthday festivity, work outing, and more with us.
Advanced tickets available for purchase online or by phone - 401-324-9436
NEWPORT ART MUSEUM
76 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401-848-8200
www.NewportArtMuseum.org
FREE PARKING IN LOTS
Have questions? Want more information? Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us directly by phone (401-324-9436) or email (shows@newportmurdermystery.com).
Groups welcome! Parties of 20 or more can receive $5.00 off per ticket. Purchase online or call for more details. Celebrate your bachelorette party, birthday festivity, work outing, and more with us.
Advanced tickets available for purchase online or by phone - 401-324-9436
Interactive Fun for the Family
Don't miss out on any of our "Mystery at the Museum" shows! All are family-friendly, affordable, and accessible to you and your friends.
Individual show listings with detailed information below; tickets available for purchase online, in person at the Museum, and by phone (401-324-9436).
Individual show listings with detailed information below; tickets available for purchase online, in person at the Museum, and by phone (401-324-9436).
Upcoming Performances
Returning soon in 2022
Past Performances
Cottage Wars
Winter/Spring 2020
It was 1910 and with the death of both Mr. and Mrs. Griswold, there was a rush on who would get the beautiful Bellevue Avenue summer cottage! Their daughter Minnie Griswold Forbes? Or maybe Alva Vanderbilt Belmont who already owned 2 Bellevue Avenue homes but was seeking to add to that collection? Or could it have been some well meaning artists? As Ralph Waldo Emerson said "When it comes to divide an estate, the politest men quarrel."
Winter/Spring 2020
It was 1910 and with the death of both Mr. and Mrs. Griswold, there was a rush on who would get the beautiful Bellevue Avenue summer cottage! Their daughter Minnie Griswold Forbes? Or maybe Alva Vanderbilt Belmont who already owned 2 Bellevue Avenue homes but was seeking to add to that collection? Or could it have been some well meaning artists? As Ralph Waldo Emerson said "When it comes to divide an estate, the politest men quarrel."
The Last Noel
Holiday 2019
The servants from several of Newport's Gilded Age mansions gathered to celebrate the season with a time tested tradition - Secret Santa! But, this harmless and usually upbeat affair swiftly fell apart with jealousy, pettiness, rule breaking, and an untimely death!
Who Ghost There?
Fall 2019
When John N.A. Griswold died, he left an incomplete will for his wife and family to decipher. Mrs. Griswold hosted a seance to contact her deceased husband and get to the bottom of the will, but got more than she bargained for!
Who Ghost There?
Fall 2019
When John N.A. Griswold died, he left an incomplete will for his wife and family to decipher. Mrs. Griswold hosted a seance to contact her deceased husband and get to the bottom of the will, but got more than she bargained for!
War and Art
Summer 2019
Guests supported the troops at this gallery reception of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's art. World War I is in full vigor but a group of patriotic citizens have organized a fundraiser to raise money for helping those in need during wartime. Enjoy an evening of priceless art, bottomless indulgence, and cheap tricks.
Last Call
Spring 2019
Guests were invited to newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst's birthday party! It's 1926 and Hearst has some surprises under his sleeve for his guests. Don't miss this party-of-the-century: but be careful of what you say and do...in Hearst's world, scandal sells and there's no such thing as bad press.
"Truth is not only stranger than fiction, it's more interesting." -William Randolph Hearst
Kiss of Death
Winter 2019
It's 1890 and you're invited to the engagement party for John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV, heir to the Astor family fortune. Jack's mother, "the" Mrs. Astor, has selected the finest debutantes as candidates for her only son. Who will win the heart and purse strings of the wealthiest bachelor in Newport society? It's all fun and games until Jack's bride-to-be is revealed, when the gloves come off and a murderer takes the ring...
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Holiday 2018
It's 1938 and the US is gripped by the "Great Depression." Even the wealthy families are feeling the crunch. Several have banded together to lift spirits in Newport with an evening of Peter and the Wolf. While the music is recorded, the performances of the characters are lively and fun, until bitter rivalries lead to an untimely death. Will you be able to solve the crime and save the evening? Or will the killer escape to kill again?
Hail Mary
Fall 2018
Small liberal arts college, St. Mary's of Newport, is having their Homecoming Dance and you're invited! Step back to 1956 - Jocks, Greasers, Bobbysoxers, and Eggheads mingle to crown their Homecoming Royalty, but, things aren't swell at all and when cliques collide, someone dies. That's when it's time to get 'hep' and keep your cool. Tie on your neckerchief, slick back your hair and get ready to ID a killer before Homecoming is ruined!
Fall 2018
Small liberal arts college, St. Mary's of Newport, is having their Homecoming Dance and you're invited! Step back to 1956 - Jocks, Greasers, Bobbysoxers, and Eggheads mingle to crown their Homecoming Royalty, but, things aren't swell at all and when cliques collide, someone dies. That's when it's time to get 'hep' and keep your cool. Tie on your neckerchief, slick back your hair and get ready to ID a killer before Homecoming is ruined!
Sincerely Yours
Summer 2018
A local theatre troupe is putting on a mystery play comprised of your favorite stock characters - The stuffy British Butler, a grand dame of society, her big game hunting husband, a rebellious child, a snarky chef, and a nosy maid to name a few! Things are going great, until one of the actors ACTUALLY DIES! Since the "Show must go on" they all embrace their new situation and enlist you as P.I.s What secrets can be uncovered in their feuds, trysts and social media feeds? If you aren't careful, you might find yourself the next target.
Summer 2018
A local theatre troupe is putting on a mystery play comprised of your favorite stock characters - The stuffy British Butler, a grand dame of society, her big game hunting husband, a rebellious child, a snarky chef, and a nosy maid to name a few! Things are going great, until one of the actors ACTUALLY DIES! Since the "Show must go on" they all embrace their new situation and enlist you as P.I.s What secrets can be uncovered in their feuds, trysts and social media feeds? If you aren't careful, you might find yourself the next target.
Double Jeopardy
Spring 2018
It's 1895 and Newport is hosting a new phenomenon, a game show! Classes collide as Aristocrats go head to head with working class Newporters to see who possesses the largest wealth of trivia. As the competition heats up, tempers flare and when someone takes the "Sudden Death" round literally, it will be up to you to piece together the clues and bring a killer to justice.
Spring 2018
It's 1895 and Newport is hosting a new phenomenon, a game show! Classes collide as Aristocrats go head to head with working class Newporters to see who possesses the largest wealth of trivia. As the competition heats up, tempers flare and when someone takes the "Sudden Death" round literally, it will be up to you to piece together the clues and bring a killer to justice.
I Do and I Die
Winter 2018
A double booking DISASTER! Two families, gathering for very different reasons, but having the same last name, have invited you to attend either a wedding... or a funeral. Join in the fun as frantic event planners, nervous newlyweds, and grieving relatives try to navigate a ridiculous evening of madcap antics. But, when a surprise guest dies, everyone must come together to investigate family feuds, missing wills, unpaid debts, and closets full of skeletons.
Winter 2018
A double booking DISASTER! Two families, gathering for very different reasons, but having the same last name, have invited you to attend either a wedding... or a funeral. Join in the fun as frantic event planners, nervous newlyweds, and grieving relatives try to navigate a ridiculous evening of madcap antics. But, when a surprise guest dies, everyone must come together to investigate family feuds, missing wills, unpaid debts, and closets full of skeletons.
St. Nick's Sinister Secret
Holiday 2017
The Christmas traditions of the world are not all as idyllic as Jolly Old St. Nick. When John Jacob Astor IV hosts his Christmas gathering, he asks his friends to dress a lesser known Christmas characters and share that tradition with everyone - Leave it to Jack Astor to make Christmas a lecture. But, when someone receives a deadly gift, the family turns to you to help find the killer! Can you save Christmas? Determine who had the means, motive and opportunity.
Holiday 2017
The Christmas traditions of the world are not all as idyllic as Jolly Old St. Nick. When John Jacob Astor IV hosts his Christmas gathering, he asks his friends to dress a lesser known Christmas characters and share that tradition with everyone - Leave it to Jack Astor to make Christmas a lecture. But, when someone receives a deadly gift, the family turns to you to help find the killer! Can you save Christmas? Determine who had the means, motive and opportunity.
Sleuth's Symposium
Fall 2017
It’s 2017, and television is filled with programming about public and private investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic scientists and psychological profilers. Each year, a conference is hosted where real life investigators connect with television producers to pitch ideas for new shows. But someone has planned something more sinister and after locking everyone in the museum, a series of events is triggered and you must solve the case before time runs out!
Fall 2017
It’s 2017, and television is filled with programming about public and private investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic scientists and psychological profilers. Each year, a conference is hosted where real life investigators connect with television producers to pitch ideas for new shows. But someone has planned something more sinister and after locking everyone in the museum, a series of events is triggered and you must solve the case before time runs out!
Poison, Pens, & Poets
Summer 2017
The Beat Generation, those new bohemian hedonists who celebrate non-conformity and spontaneous creativity, have invaded Newport and the stuffy old guard don't know what to make of them! It's Ginsberg, Burroughs and Kerouac vs. Astor, Vanderbilt and Oelrichs and the only foreseeable winner will be YOU! Join this oil and water mix to witness as a peaceful sit-in turns murderous. Help solve the crime by searching through the museum for cryptic clues while trying to pry useful answers out of the suspects.
Summer 2017
The Beat Generation, those new bohemian hedonists who celebrate non-conformity and spontaneous creativity, have invaded Newport and the stuffy old guard don't know what to make of them! It's Ginsberg, Burroughs and Kerouac vs. Astor, Vanderbilt and Oelrichs and the only foreseeable winner will be YOU! Join this oil and water mix to witness as a peaceful sit-in turns murderous. Help solve the crime by searching through the museum for cryptic clues while trying to pry useful answers out of the suspects.
Vicious Victorians
Summer 2017
The summer season is in full swing, and the Victorian residents of Newport are hosting a talent show! Singers, ventriloquists, magicians and jugglers are competing to be named the first winner of "Newport's Got Talent". A panel of judges critiques the acts and you, the audience, get to decide who's moving to the next round, but, when someone's dreams are crushed... literally... the show stopping act is you becoming detectives! Search for clues - Question the suspects - and Vote for a Killer. Just don't become the next victim!
Summer 2017
The summer season is in full swing, and the Victorian residents of Newport are hosting a talent show! Singers, ventriloquists, magicians and jugglers are competing to be named the first winner of "Newport's Got Talent". A panel of judges critiques the acts and you, the audience, get to decide who's moving to the next round, but, when someone's dreams are crushed... literally... the show stopping act is you becoming detectives! Search for clues - Question the suspects - and Vote for a Killer. Just don't become the next victim!
Spring Surprise
Spring 2017
It's 1925. Prohibition has brought gangsters to Newport and they are captivated by an old tale of buried treasure! Legend has it, that George Griswold struck it rich by finding the treasure of the pirate Thomas Tew. Tew visited Newport in April of 1694 and, according to locals, buried his treasure "on the hill, east of the old stone tower" where Mr. Griswold built his house. Now the gangsters are calling on you, their goons, to help discover the truth, and perhaps a fortune, hidden in the Griswold House. But, when a guest ends up dead... Don't call the cops! Solve it yourselves "Extreme problems often require extreme solutions."
Spring 2017
It's 1925. Prohibition has brought gangsters to Newport and they are captivated by an old tale of buried treasure! Legend has it, that George Griswold struck it rich by finding the treasure of the pirate Thomas Tew. Tew visited Newport in April of 1694 and, according to locals, buried his treasure "on the hill, east of the old stone tower" where Mr. Griswold built his house. Now the gangsters are calling on you, their goons, to help discover the truth, and perhaps a fortune, hidden in the Griswold House. But, when a guest ends up dead... Don't call the cops! Solve it yourselves "Extreme problems often require extreme solutions."
Grim Gala Winter 2017
Description:
The Newport Art Association is having it's annual fundraiser gala, and you're invited! On the surface, everything is coming up roses, but, as Shakespeare pointed out, every rose has it's thorn... Step back to 1947 and join a mismatched crew of artists, wealthy arts patrons, and museum employees for an art auction with a very special guest artist. But, when the auction ignites passions, a guest ends up dead and it will be your job to search for clues, question suspects and ultimately bring a killer to justice.
Description:
The Newport Art Association is having it's annual fundraiser gala, and you're invited! On the surface, everything is coming up roses, but, as Shakespeare pointed out, every rose has it's thorn... Step back to 1947 and join a mismatched crew of artists, wealthy arts patrons, and museum employees for an art auction with a very special guest artist. But, when the auction ignites passions, a guest ends up dead and it will be your job to search for clues, question suspects and ultimately bring a killer to justice.
Deck the Halls with Murderous Folly November & December 2016
Description:
Christmas in the Victorian era is idyllic. The decorations, the tree, and the gifts all put us into the Christmas Spirit. Join Newport's elite as they put together an evening of entertainment to benefit Alva Vanderbilt's "Votes for Women" charity. But, not everyone is in the spirit of the season...
When a guest ends up dead, it's up to you to question the suspects and piece together a theory before St. Nick slides down the chimney!
Description:
Christmas in the Victorian era is idyllic. The decorations, the tree, and the gifts all put us into the Christmas Spirit. Join Newport's elite as they put together an evening of entertainment to benefit Alva Vanderbilt's "Votes for Women" charity. But, not everyone is in the spirit of the season...
When a guest ends up dead, it's up to you to question the suspects and piece together a theory before St. Nick slides down the chimney!
A Shocking Shower Fall 2016
The next Astor heir will soon be born - will it be a boy or a girl? Manhattan high society awaits with bated breath. Join current heir, Jack Astor, in showering his newlywed wife Ava in her soon-to-be role as "Mommy." Other family and friends will be there to celebrate the blessing to come!
Don't miss this electric evening filled with bundles of joy and gifts galore. But take heed: inside the fancy gift wrapping lies raging hormones, unspoken grudges, bitter and bad blood, and more unsavory party favors. Keep your eyes and ears open if you want to leave alive...
The next Astor heir will soon be born - will it be a boy or a girl? Manhattan high society awaits with bated breath. Join current heir, Jack Astor, in showering his newlywed wife Ava in her soon-to-be role as "Mommy." Other family and friends will be there to celebrate the blessing to come!
Don't miss this electric evening filled with bundles of joy and gifts galore. But take heed: inside the fancy gift wrapping lies raging hormones, unspoken grudges, bitter and bad blood, and more unsavory party favors. Keep your eyes and ears open if you want to leave alive...
Wedding Belles Summer 2016 (Alternating with Hanging Chad)
Love is in the air the summer of 1895... Celebrate the arranged marriages of the Wetmore sisters to the two eldest Vanderbilt brothers! Reception immediately follows for an endless evening of dancing, ballroom games, wedding traditions, and more!
But, the matrimonial merriment is put on hold when one of the guests winds up dead, and you must help to solve the tragic crime. Beneath the surface of betrothal bliss lurks a series of secrets, prenuptial agreements (and arguments), bitter grudges, and scandalous stories of the past... Use your detective wits to piece together the truth of this deadly double wedding!
Love is in the air the summer of 1895... Celebrate the arranged marriages of the Wetmore sisters to the two eldest Vanderbilt brothers! Reception immediately follows for an endless evening of dancing, ballroom games, wedding traditions, and more!
But, the matrimonial merriment is put on hold when one of the guests winds up dead, and you must help to solve the tragic crime. Beneath the surface of betrothal bliss lurks a series of secrets, prenuptial agreements (and arguments), bitter grudges, and scandalous stories of the past... Use your detective wits to piece together the truth of this deadly double wedding!
Hanging Chad Summer 2016 (Alternating with Wedding Belles)
Proud to be an American? It's 1924 - the country is in the depths of Prohibition but, this year marks the first presidential election in which women can vote! Attend this special presidential debate at the Art Association of Newport to hear Republican candidate Calvin Coolidge, Democratic candidate John W. Davis, and Progressive candidate Robert M. LaFollette speak.
When expected guests don't arrive and unexpected ones do, the evening shifts courses: dirty laundry is aired, rumors are spread and someone's attack campaign goes a little too far! A guest is discovered dead and you must help question the suspects, search the galleries for clues, and figure out who the murder's identity. Work fast to cover up the scandal before the authorities arrive!
Proud to be an American? It's 1924 - the country is in the depths of Prohibition but, this year marks the first presidential election in which women can vote! Attend this special presidential debate at the Art Association of Newport to hear Republican candidate Calvin Coolidge, Democratic candidate John W. Davis, and Progressive candidate Robert M. LaFollette speak.
When expected guests don't arrive and unexpected ones do, the evening shifts courses: dirty laundry is aired, rumors are spread and someone's attack campaign goes a little too far! A guest is discovered dead and you must help question the suspects, search the galleries for clues, and figure out who the murder's identity. Work fast to cover up the scandal before the authorities arrive!
To Be or Not To Be
Spring 2016
"All the world's a stage..."
The year was 1891, the 275th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. Guests honored the Bard by watching some of his famous love and marriage scenes in Mrs. Jane Griswold's "Shakespeare Salon," as performed by Mrs. Griswold, Mr. Ogden Goelet, eligible bachelors, and other notable society ladies.
Real feelings of love, bitterness, and jealousy mixed with egos, nerves, and stage fright; and the backstage drama trumped the onstage drama, resulting in a murder worthy of Shakespeare's quill.
The year was 1891, the 275th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. Guests honored the Bard by watching some of his famous love and marriage scenes in Mrs. Jane Griswold's "Shakespeare Salon," as performed by Mrs. Griswold, Mr. Ogden Goelet, eligible bachelors, and other notable society ladies.
Real feelings of love, bitterness, and jealousy mixed with egos, nerves, and stage fright; and the backstage drama trumped the onstage drama, resulting in a murder worthy of Shakespeare's quill.
Puppet Masterpiece Theater
Winter 2016
Brief Synopsis:
Guests attended a live filming of the new TV program, Strokes of Genius, a family-friendly art educational puppet television series aired on PBJ-RI (Public Broadcasting Junior for Rhode Island). Money matters, art theft, and offstage quibbles became onstage quarrels and someone died!
Guests attended a live filming of the new TV program, Strokes of Genius, a family-friendly art educational puppet television series aired on PBJ-RI (Public Broadcasting Junior for Rhode Island). Money matters, art theft, and offstage quibbles became onstage quarrels and someone died!
Naughty or Nice
Holiday 2015
Brief Synopsis:
Guests attended the Griswold family's annual Christmas party in 1891. As gifts were opened, tensions with the family come to a head during the Yankee Gift Swap, showing who was naughty and who was nice the past year.
Selfish siblings, nosy neighbors, misers, grudge-holders, and more spoiled the holiday spirit and soured the eggnog - so much so, that the lady of house ended up dead!
...With the Revolver
Fall 2015
Brief Synopsis:
Guests attended the "Murder Mystery" themed party hosted at the Griswold House in the late 1890s. The Butler pretended, poorly, to be dead and replaced the game clues with factual scandalous papers about the aristocratic society members playing the game.
Tempers flared and an actual murder occurred, making the guests solve a real murder. For once, the Butler didn't do it!
Guests attended the "Murder Mystery" themed party hosted at the Griswold House in the late 1890s. The Butler pretended, poorly, to be dead and replaced the game clues with factual scandalous papers about the aristocratic society members playing the game.
Tempers flared and an actual murder occurred, making the guests solve a real murder. For once, the Butler didn't do it!
A Dark & Stormy Night
Summer 2015
Brief Synopsis:
Guests grabbed their binoculars, goggles, pocket watches, and other Victorian bag-of-tricks, as they channeled their inner H.G. Wells and Jules Verne at Newport's annual Steampunk "Sleuth-i-Con."
Dress-up became reality and resulted in a guest's death... Guests explored the galleries, interrogated the suspects, and deciphered clues in order to piece together the murder.
Scent of a Killer
Summer 2015
"Beauty is pain..."
Brief Synopsis:
Fashion's latest trends of 1925 high society were modeled in this Fashion Show at the Art Association of Newport. Coco Chanel and other leading fashion designers unveiled their hottest new Haute Couture styles.
When tempers rose higher than the ladies' hemlines, the victim's dead body became the show-stopping piece of the collection.
Forgeries & Frauds
Spring 2015
Brief Synopsis:
Set in 1984 at the annual art forging conference hosted by NASA, the National Authentication Services Association. Famous works of art from artists were scrutinized by the art world's top authenticators, to prove their provenance.
The event was not all black and white, and guests were shocked when a murder and theft were unveiled among the galleries.
Set in 1984 at the annual art forging conference hosted by NASA, the National Authentication Services Association. Famous works of art from artists were scrutinized by the art world's top authenticators, to prove their provenance.
The event was not all black and white, and guests were shocked when a murder and theft were unveiled among the galleries.
'Til Death Do Us Part
Winter 2015
John Jacob Astor IV & Ava Willing Astor cordially invite you to celebrate with them at their Divorce Party...
Brief Synopsis:
The year was 1909 and Queen of American Society, "the" Mrs. Caroline Astor (portrayed to the left), had recently died. With her passing, her son and heir, John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV, and his wife, Ava Willing Astor, announced their plans to divorce after 17 long, bitter, tense, and unloving years of marriage.
Guests joined some of their family, including son William Vincent, and other guests from their famous 1891 wedding. Minnie Griswold Forbes hosted this most unusual and unforgettable "Emancipation Event" at the Griswold family's Newport cottage.
Proceedings halted when a guest unexpectedly died, and guests were sent to search the galleries and question the suspects to solve the crime.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Holiday 2014
Brief Synopsis:
Make merry in the "Land of Sweets" at this holiday party filled with Christmas confections as gorgeous as in Clara's dream with the Nutcracker Prince. Join Newport's society members and domestics for the "Sweets Showdown."
It's the 1892 Astor VS. Vanderbilt battle of the Pastry Chef. Which family takes the cake for serving the best Christmas desserts? Judges will decide in a series of confectionery challenges.
All is not calm and bright, however. Mixed well into the sugar and spice is murderous folly, and when a guest is found sleeping "in heavenly peace," you will need to solve the Christmas crime.
Make merry in the "Land of Sweets" at this holiday party filled with Christmas confections as gorgeous as in Clara's dream with the Nutcracker Prince. Join Newport's society members and domestics for the "Sweets Showdown."
It's the 1892 Astor VS. Vanderbilt battle of the Pastry Chef. Which family takes the cake for serving the best Christmas desserts? Judges will decide in a series of confectionery challenges.
All is not calm and bright, however. Mixed well into the sugar and spice is murderous folly, and when a guest is found sleeping "in heavenly peace," you will need to solve the Christmas crime.
Historic Hauntings
Fall 2014
Brief Synopsis:
Guests attended the live taping of the epic finale of Season 4 of "Historic Hauntings" paranormal reality TV show, hosted inside the John N.A. Griswold House.
Every 30 years, a troubled spirit wreaked havoc on the home, with 2014 marking the 150th anniversary of the original "Tale of Terror." But when cast and crew stormed off set during filming reenactment hauntings in the home, people took things one step too far in trying to save the TV show from cancellation...
After interrogating suspects and discovering clues, it became clear that "no press is bad press."
Guests attended the live taping of the epic finale of Season 4 of "Historic Hauntings" paranormal reality TV show, hosted inside the John N.A. Griswold House.
Every 30 years, a troubled spirit wreaked havoc on the home, with 2014 marking the 150th anniversary of the original "Tale of Terror." But when cast and crew stormed off set during filming reenactment hauntings in the home, people took things one step too far in trying to save the TV show from cancellation...
After interrogating suspects and discovering clues, it became clear that "no press is bad press."
Mobsters & Molls
Summer 2014 (alternating with Ballgowns, Bling & Betrayal)
Brief Synopsis:
In 1931 Prohibition America, guests got wet at the meeting hosted by Newport's “Public Prohibitionists” for an evening of gin, whiskey, and all that jazz.
Larry Fay hosted the Speakeasy meeting for this Speakeasy for all the usual suspects, including mobsters Lucky Luciano and “Moe the Gimp,” Manhattan philanthropists Vincent and Helen Astor, and Hollywood stars Ruth Etting and Helen Morgan.
Shady dealings, back-stabbing associates, jaded lovers, and unfaithful spouses came together to make an unforgettable evening of crime and carousing!
In 1931 Prohibition America, guests got wet at the meeting hosted by Newport's “Public Prohibitionists” for an evening of gin, whiskey, and all that jazz.
Larry Fay hosted the Speakeasy meeting for this Speakeasy for all the usual suspects, including mobsters Lucky Luciano and “Moe the Gimp,” Manhattan philanthropists Vincent and Helen Astor, and Hollywood stars Ruth Etting and Helen Morgan.
Shady dealings, back-stabbing associates, jaded lovers, and unfaithful spouses came together to make an unforgettable evening of crime and carousing!
Ballgowns, Bling & Betrayal
Summer 2014 (alternating with Mobsters & Molls)
{Photo courtesy of Louis Seymour}
Brief Synopsis:
Rubies and emeralds and pearls, oh my! At this glittering gala hosted by society matron Mrs. Jane Griswold, Newport socialites and hired entertainment, opera soprano Emma Eames, showcased their finery, took a spin on the dance floor, and played ballroom games.
Special guest was the artist-designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, head of Tiffany & Co., who unveiled his most dazzling diamond yet - his debutante daughter, Miss Mary Woodbridge Tiffany.
With the unexpected announcement of heir George Griswold's engagement to Miss Tiffany, and an unexpected gifting of a Tiffany heirloom brooch, the evening's sparkle tarnished into scandal.
Rubies and emeralds and pearls, oh my! At this glittering gala hosted by society matron Mrs. Jane Griswold, Newport socialites and hired entertainment, opera soprano Emma Eames, showcased their finery, took a spin on the dance floor, and played ballroom games.
Special guest was the artist-designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, head of Tiffany & Co., who unveiled his most dazzling diamond yet - his debutante daughter, Miss Mary Woodbridge Tiffany.
With the unexpected announcement of heir George Griswold's engagement to Miss Tiffany, and an unexpected gifting of a Tiffany heirloom brooch, the evening's sparkle tarnished into scandal.
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Winter/Spring 2014
{Photo courtesy of Quisan Taylor-Lawhon}
Brief Synopsis:
Newport society folk of 1893 attempted to put on an amateur production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, when bitter rivalries, old flames, family conflicts, and problems with the servants soon thwarted their efforts.
When a cast member turned up dead, the curse of “The Scottish Play” seemed to be coming true!
Newport society folk of 1893 attempted to put on an amateur production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, when bitter rivalries, old flames, family conflicts, and problems with the servants soon thwarted their efforts.
When a cast member turned up dead, the curse of “The Scottish Play” seemed to be coming true!
A Merry Murder Mystery - Holiday 2013
{Photo courtesy of Eric Hovermale}
Guests celebrated with the Griswold House domestic staff in a festive evening of Secret St. Nicholas.
The butler, housekeeper, cook, maid, valet, and footmen exchanged their final gifts, much to the chagrin of the resident "Scrooge."
The "lump of coal" in this party's stocking was poisoned Christmas cake, eaten by the wrong person. The fatal fruitcake sent guests throughout the decorated galleries to solve the murder.
Portrait of a Killer - Fall 2013
Portrait of Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler, by John Singer Sargent
Set in 1893 just five years after the infamous Whitechapel murders of Jack the Ripper, an art thief was wreaking havoc on the Newport summer season. Famous portraits had been disappearing from the "Cottages" of Bellevue Avenue. The wanted suspect, dubbed "The Art Stripper," had eluded capture all while acquiring millions of dollars in art.
George Griswold hosted a Grand Ball to lure "The Art Stripper" while an undercover detective oversaw the sting operation.
Amidst the jollity and frivolity of ballroom games and dancing, a party guest ended up dead and set the guests on a chase to catch the criminal!
Newport Nuptials - Summer 2013
Guests attended the Prohibition-age wedding reception of High Society Newlyweds Hermann Oelrichs Jr. and Dorothy "Dumpy" Haydel.
The bridal party included "Golden Couple" F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, who joined high society blue bloods in celebrating an evening of something old, something new; something borrowed and something blue.
Love may be patient and kind but suspicious minds and broken hearts were fast and furious. A life insurance policy, meddling mother-in-law, conniving wedding planner, and former flames made for a drama-filled wedding that quickly turned into a wake.
A Diamond in the Rough - Winter/Spring 2013
Sole heir to the Griswold fortune, George, was never an ideal son - late-night gambling and world travel interested him more than taking over the family shipping business!
But with him coming of age, and his father cutting him off unless he solve the wickedly difficult scavenger hunt to claim the family jewels, George hired the professional treasure seekers, "The Booty Finders," to do the dirty work. Guests assisted in the treasure hunt at George's self-proclaimed "inheritance party."
George's deadline became more urgent when his father, John N.A. Griswold, was discovered not only dead but murdered the morning of the party. Buried family ties, pirate ancestors, and poisonous tea added up to murders most foul in this who-dun-it with a twist set in the late Victorian age.
But with him coming of age, and his father cutting him off unless he solve the wickedly difficult scavenger hunt to claim the family jewels, George hired the professional treasure seekers, "The Booty Finders," to do the dirty work. Guests assisted in the treasure hunt at George's self-proclaimed "inheritance party."
George's deadline became more urgent when his father, John N.A. Griswold, was discovered not only dead but murdered the morning of the party. Buried family ties, pirate ancestors, and poisonous tea added up to murders most foul in this who-dun-it with a twist set in the late Victorian age.
Sink or Swim - Fall 2012 show
2012 marked the 100th Anniversary
of both the Titanic Tragedy and the
Art Association of Newport's Formation.
Set in 1912 post-tragedy, guests attended this fundraising event and opening of TMI, the Titanic Memorial Institution. Led by "the unsinkable" Molly Brown, the Titanic Survivors' Committee and Art Association of Newport created a tribute exhibition for the Titanic victims, survivors and their families.
Artists Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and Howard Gardiner Cushing and Newport society members gathered for silent and live auctions, the public unveiling of a memorial masterpiece and more.
Grieving widows, feuding society families, unfinished business, unspoken agendas and unclaimed inheritances were just the tip of the iceberg in this evening of tribute and tears.
_Murder They Wrote - Summer 2012 show
Newport's literary union S.L.A.P., the Society of Lethal Authors and Publishers, hosted their first gala in their new headquarters, the John N.A. Griswold House. Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Amelie Rives Chanler, Edith Wharton and other society blue bloods gathered for formalities and frivolities.
But this house of mirth quickly became a bleak house of death. Serial killer H.H. Holmes of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair disguised himself as a respectable member of the union, fooling everyone into thinking fiction was fact!
The Butler Did It - Spring 2012 show
Preparing for a devilishly good party!
__
The Griswold's butler should have been fired, but Mr. Griswold just didn't have the heart to do it. When Mr. Griswold goes to New York on business, the staff decided to throw the butler a party to properly thank him for all that he had done for them! But, when guests started dying, it took team work, wits and a dash of deviousness to discover who wanted the butler dead!
The Griswold's butler should have been fired, but Mr. Griswold just didn't have the heart to do it. When Mr. Griswold goes to New York on business, the staff decided to throw the butler a party to properly thank him for all that he had done for them! But, when guests started dying, it took team work, wits and a dash of deviousness to discover who wanted the butler dead!
The Art of the Masquerade
Guests stepped back into Gilded Age Newport to the year 1916 for an evening of music, masquerade and murder! The event was the first annual “Bal Masque” hosted by the Art Association of Newport in their new museum headquarters, the elegant John N.A. Griswold House on famed Bellevue Avenue.
Bohemian artists, Newport millionaires and Hollywood stars also joined this festive and fashionable party to celebrate the “joie de vivre” with fall art exhibitions, musical entertainments, dancing, a costume contest and more delicious frivolity...
...Revelry quickly turned into devilry when a priceless painting stole the center of attention. Exposed grudges, double disguises and hidden agendas quickly led to a guest’s murder! Did you master the art of deception?
The Hunt for Hunt's Fortune
3 sons, 2 daughters, 1 widow and a hidden fortune... Set in 1896, the year after the death of famous architect Richard Morris Hunt in his first major Newport commission, the John N.A. Griswold House. The deceased's family and close friends gathered to witness the reading of Hunt's last will and testament.
Tensions built and tempers flared when a shocking announcement was made and all guests were sent on a scavenger hunt throughout the mansion for Hunt's lasting legacy. Who landed on top and who ended up six feet under?
Bitter Homes and Corpse Gardens
An arts and crafts reality TV show competition. Set in the present day, Marla Steward - crafting guru - was poised to allow one lucky (and crafty) contestant into her inner circle. Like Willy Wonka seeking his successor, Marla was hoping to hand the reigns of her multimillion dollar empire over to a new crafter. But, things just didn't go as planned. After a recap of the television season and two crafting challenges, Marla ended up dead.
Holiday Homicide
When the Griswold family stepped out for a holiday dinner with friends, the servants tried hosting their own party. Unfortunately, there was one servant who had been taking advantage of privileged information to blackmail co-workers and society members. This spoil sport arrived and soon thereafter was murdered by one of her blackmailing victims. With everyone a suspect, it took the whole audience working together to solve the crime.
Guilt by Association
At a charity auction for the Art Association, with a cast of spurious characters, including gangsters, literary moguls and society matrons, one greedy guest set out to steal $100,000 in cash, and in the getaway, killed someone! Fortunately, the fundraiser was a "lock in" and there was no escape from the building.