About Martin Luther King Center in Newport, RI

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has been a hub of activity for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1922 by a group of trustees of the Newport Historical Society, the Center was originally known as the Newport Community Center. In June of 1968, the Center was renamed in honor of Dr. King in order to recognize and honor his legacy. Since its incorporation, the Center has served as a gathering place for people of all communities and cultures. From its original location in the Great Friends Meeting House on the corner of Marlborough and Farewell Streets, the Center has moved to its current home in the former Navy USO building in Newport’s Washington Square neighborhood. For nearly a century, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has been a source of recreation, connection, and inspiration for people of all backgrounds. The Center was originally established in 1922 as the Newport Community Center, and provided recreational activities for the town’s residents. The founders, a group of trustees of the Newport Historical Society, wanted to breathe new life into the Great Friends Meeting House, while honoring the legacy of its founders. In June of 1968, the Center was renamed in honor of Dr. King, and the Center moved to the former Navy USO building in Newport’s Washington Square neighborhood. Since then, the Center has been a place of connection and celebration for people from all walks of life.

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What kind of kids we support

  • Coed
  • Preschool

Amenities

  • Handicap accessible
  • Food option available
  • Ocean
  • Playground
  • Internet Access

Programs at Martin Luther King Center in Newport, RI

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Preschool

Our program helped develop the RI Early Childhood Education Standards and was designated a Preschool Center of Excellence by the national Early Learning Reading First Program. It is our goal to help build a child’s positive self image and prepare our students for school readiness. In an atmosphere of praise, we create a climate for growth of creativity, curiosity for learning and the courage to try.

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After School Academy

The After School Academy at the MLK is a quality after school program for students ranging from kindergarten to 4th grade. Serving students from Newport County, we offer affordable programming in support of our students’ academic success.

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Summer Adventure Camp

Summer Adventure Camp is an 8-week literacy, science and math-based program for children entering 1st grade through those entering 5th grade. Hours are 8 am – 4 pm

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Location and contact information

20 Doctor Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport, RI, 02840