"Tennis in Newport: The Casino and Jimmy Van Alen” - A Special Exhibition at Redwood Library
The early history of the Newport Casino and Jimmy Van Alen’s role in establishing the International Tennis Hall of Fame are examined in a collaborative exhibition in the Peirce Prince Gallery at the Redwood Library & Athenæum.
The exhibition is divided into two sections, the first titled, “The Casino: Newport’s Playground” and the second, “Jimmy Van Alen: Newport’s Last Grand Homme.”
Curated by ITHF Librarian Meredith Miller Richards, and Curator of Collections Nicole Markham, the exhibition opened June 1 and will run through August 30, 2016.
The founding of the Newport Casino and its architecture are examined in the first section, which also covers the history of tennis on the site as well as the social activities and amusements that took place in its storied club. The life and interests of Newport native Jimmy Van Alen, who helped found the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1954, are surveyed in the second section, which features an array of Van Alen’s trophies and personal effects.
Doug Stark, Museum Director of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, said, “The International Tennis Hall of Fame is pleased to partner with the Redwood Library to showcase the early history of the Newport Casino and Jimmy Van Alen’s role in establishing the Tennis Hall of Fame. Each summer, beginning in 1880, the Newport Casino has played a vital role in the social and cultural landscape of Newport. This exhibit, with unique objects from our collection, tells the story of the Newport Casino and the Tennis Hall of Fame and its importance in shaping the Newport community.”
Further to this partnership, the Redwood Library & Athenæum will be the host venue for the Welcome Dinner at the upcoming Rolex Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, providing a nice opportunity for guests in town to celebrate the induction festivities of the Class of 2016 to learn a little more about the history of the Newport Casino and Jimmy Van Alen's vision for a destination to celebrate tennis history.
OPENING RECEPTION
Please Join Us!
The Library will hold an opening reception on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. It will be free and open to the public.
The Library is open daily; admission is $10 and includes access to two galleries, the Harrison Room, the Terry Reading Room, and the Rovensky Delivery Room. A complimentary guided tour is offered Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am. Visitors under 18, students, and Rhode Island public library cardholders are admitted free.
