Mastering the Art of Storytelling
Transforming history into engaging narratives
Cheryl Hackett Communications
Here's a conversation with Preserve Rhode Island: https://www.preserveri.org/post/interview-with-cheryl-hackett
Historic architecture, period interiors, and heirloom gardens inspire Cheryl Hackett to put pen to paper. She fine-tuned her craft at Salve Regina University, where she earned a Master of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree. English, Journalism, and Architectural History were her focus.
Her forthcoming book spotlights Newport and Bermuda homes, gardens, classic yachts, and stewards. The hardcover will be available at fine booksellers in the Fall of 2026.
Her first book Newport Shingle Style (Published by Frances Lincoln Publishers, Ltd. London. 2010) is a hardcover that explores the history, influences, and evolution of the Shingle Style through 15 Rhode Island homes. Newport Shingle Style received favorable reviews from many publications including the Toronto Star, New England Home, and Period Homes.
Additionally, Cheryl writes about architecture, preservation, and interior design for several national magazines including Classic Homes, Cottage Style, Coastal Living, Yankee, La Vie Claire, Victorian Homes, Romantic Homes, Country Sampler and Farmhouse Style. Since 1989, Cheryl’s feature articles have been printed in over 500 publications.
Her enthusiasm for writing is contagious and she passes her love for storytelling to college students. Cheryl teaches undergraduate writing, communications, and public relations courses at the Harrington School of Communications at the University of Rhode Island.
Period Homes MagazineBook Review for Newport Shingle Style
"Cheryl has captured the spectrum in this elegant coffee-table book. It is a must have for the architect's library." Nancy E. Berry
How the Story Unfolds
After sharing hundreds of restoration stories with readers, Old House Journal asks Cheryl to reflect on her journey. (Tap/Click the cover to read).
Designed by Richard Upjohn in 1857
Call it an occupational hazard, Cheryl loves bringing her work home, so to speak. She and her husband, Architect John Grosvenor have rejuvenated three historic homes. Their collaborations include an 1811 Federal in Newport, RI, an 1818 Federal in Jaffrey, NH, and an 1857 Italianate in Middletown, RI. Their preservation efforts helped their Italianate home earn an individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award, and the Rhody Historic Preservation Award. Their home was featured on PBS' Our Town Middletown series and in Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, and Old House Journal.
Cheryl picks up her pen again and writes about their Jaffrey home for the Fall 2026 issue of Old House Journal.
Stewardship
Watch a Legend Perform at Restmere AKA The Blues House
Newport & Bermuda: Homes, Gardens & Yachts is a hardcover that will showcase five Newport estates, five Bermuda estates, and five classic yachts with connections to the majestic resorts.Stay tuned for updates.
A New Book Project