Discover the life of William G. Hammond, organist, choirmaster, and composer, and his life in Newport and beyond.
Author Archives: historicmusicnewport
The City Drummer
Read the story of City Drummer Benjamin Lawton’s Revolutionary War service in his own words!
The Music of the Great War
Explore music composed in Newport during the Great War.
The Germania Musical Society in Newport
Learn about the Germania Musical Society, one of the most popular musical groups in 1850s Newport and beyond!
From Desertion to Death – Trouble at the Fort Adams
In this post we take a look at some court martials at Fort Adams and then some musician deaths and an attempted murder by a member of an Artillery Band.
Keeping the Music Close to Home, Part 2
From music by a Providence, RI composer to music of the Great War, explore this collection donated by a local family.
Joseph S. Peckham
Joseph S. Peckham, a Newport resident, and member of the first bands at the Naval Training Station, was also a prolific composer. Explore his works!
Octavia Jeter
Explore the life of Octavia Jeter, born into a musical Newport Family!
The 3rd Artillery and the San Francisco, Disaster at Sea
In December 1853, the 3rd Artillery left New York for the west coast. What happened in the next few weeks was one of the worst military disasters at sea.
Music at Chateau-sur-Mer
Explore the contents and history surrounding a book of music bound for George Wetmore, owner of Chateau-sur-Mer in Newport.
