THE HOME OF THE LIBERTY NATIONAL ARTIFACT SERIES
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum preserving authenticated copper from the Statue of Liberty.
Newport, Rhode Island: Home of the American Liberty Congress.
10% of net proceeds funds the American Liberty Congress.
How It Works
Belcourt of Newport is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum that receives 10% of net proceeds from the Liberty National Artifact Series. These funds support the American Liberty Congress. The complete provenance record documents the material's journey from installation to preservation.
About Belcourt of Newport
Belcourt of Newport is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum and the permanent home of the Liberty National Artifact Series. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the same architect who created the Statue of Liberty's pedestal, Belcourt is the natural home for preserving authenticated copper and other metals removed during the Statue of Liberty's 1984-1986 restoration.
Key Dates
- 1886: Copper installed during Statue of Liberty construction
- 1894: Belcourt completed as summer home for New York City banker
- 1954: First Newport Jazz Festival held at Belcourt
- 1984-1986: Copper and other metals from Statue of Liberty infrastructure removed during federally sanctioned restoration
- 2012: Under new stewardship, an extensive, award-winning renovation of Belcourt is undertaken to make it a museum and living heritage site
- 2016: Belcourt steward Carolyn Rafaelian takes on custody of original metals removed during Statue of Liberty's restoration
- Present: Statue of Liberty metals preserved at Belcourt of Newport for public benefit
Our Mission
Through exhibitions, archival preservation, and public programming, Belcourt ensures this material heritage is documented, studied, and made accessible as a permanent historical record.
Where 10% of Every Sale Goes
American Liberty Congress
10% of net proceeds from every Lady Liberty Enlightening the World artifact sale goes to the funding of the newly established American Liberty Congress an annual nonpartisan gathering of historians, legal scholars, and other relevant thought leaders at Belcourt which will examine the state of freedoms and liberties across the United States, at the federal and state levels. It will determine where they are strong and where they are under pressure. The findings will be compiled into a report released to the public.
Belcourt of Newport
Belcourt of Newport is a grand Gilded Age mansion on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI, built between 1891 and 1894 for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, also responsible for Newport's Breakers and Marble House, as well as the Statue of Liberty's pedestal, the 50,000 square foot, 60-room Belcourt was intended as a summer retreat for only six to eight weeks a year.
Upon Belmont’s marriage to Alva Vanderbilt, who had commissioned Marble House, Belcourt became home of one of the most impactful women’s suffrage activists.
Belcourt is more than a setting: it is part of the story. Having been designed by the man who gave the Statue of Liberty her pedestal, Belcourt now serves as the House of Liberty in a new era. It has long served as a site of American architectural and cultural significance.
Within its walls, visitors will find:
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Exhibits dedicated to the Statue of Liberty metals and transformation of some into national artifacts
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Archival and interpretive displays
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Spaces for talks, gatherings, and cultural events
The American Liberty Congress
The first annual American Liberty Congress will convene in 2027 at the historic Belcourt of Newport, funded by 10% of net proceeds from Liberty Copper Artifact sales. This nonpartisan, constitutionally focused gathering will examine the state of freedoms and liberties across the United States at both the state and federal levels.
It is designed to be empowering, clarifying, and informative, producing carefully researched and documented findings that are released publicly as a report to be shared with the world.
The Congress represents a continuation of the work of liberty -- upholding the ideals symbolized by the Statue of Liberty and examining the living condition of freedom in America.
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States (The Semiquincentennial / Freedom 250), Belcourt's preservation work aligns with a broader moment of reflection, preservation, and historical continuity.
Be Part of the Permanent Record
10% of net proceeds funds the American Liberty Congress. For frequently asked questions, see the FAQ page.
To learn more about upcoming exhibitions, programs, or ways to support Belcourt, please contact our team or visit Belcourt of Newport.
Own a Piece of Preserved History
The copper preserved at Belcourt is available as an authenticated commemorative artifact. Learn more about the Statue of Liberty copper or reserve your piece of history today.
Reserve Your Piece of HistoryBelcourt of Newport is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum. Real Liberty Copper does not provide investment, financial, or redemption guarantees.
For press verification, historical documentation, or inquiries, please contact the Real Liberty Copper press office.