The Cato Vernon Freedom Library is a participatory, three-room, exhibit on the first floor of the Vernon House, experienced in sequence in your own time during open hours, Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm, Oct 3-Nov 22, 46 Clarke St in Newport:

The Auditorium

Latin, “a place where something is heard.” 

English ca 1727, “part of a public building where people gather to hear speeches.”

Begin in the Auditorium and hear about the Vernon House, Cato Vernon and ponder how we know what we know.

The Museum

From Greek, "a temple or shrine of the Muses." 

English, ca 1680 “part of a building set aside as a place for objects relating to art, literature, or science"

Continues across the hall in the Museum and learn what we know about Private Cato Vernon’s life before, during and after the Revolutionary War.

The Reading Room

English, ca 1759, “a rom furnished with newspapers, periodicals, etc.”

Spend as much time as you like in the Reading Room. Read books, play records, drink tea, make art, talk with the Artist-Docents, or find stillness.

The Exhibit may not be fully open during Special Events.

Check the calendar to see what else may be happening during your visit to the Cato Vernon Freedom Library.

The Cato Vernon Freedom Library will host a variety of Special Events in each of the three rooms. See the calendar of events here.

If you have an idea for a book or other publication that should be in the Reading Room of the Cato Vernon Freedom Library, please use this form to let us know.