Our History

Founded in 1928, The Dunes Club has been a cherished part of Narragansett’s coastal heritage for nearly a century. Born from the vision of fifteen founding members, the Club quickly became a gathering place for families, friends, and generations to come.

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Designed by renowned New York architect and founder Kenneth M. Murchison, the original clubhouse opened the following summer; an elegant retreat offering oceanfront dining, dancing, and leisure against the backdrop of Narragansett’s sweeping shoreline.

 

Just months after its debut, the nation was gripped by the Crash of 1929, but The Dunes Club endured, providing a sense of continuity and camaraderie through uncertain times. A decade later, the Great Hurricane of 1938 destroyed nearly the entire property, sparing only the gatehouse and pool. Yet, in a remarkable show of spirit and perseverance, members rebuilt immediately, reopening the following summer with a new clubhouse designed by Purves, Pope & Stewart of Philadelphia.

 

Since then, the Club has weathered countless storms - Hurricanes of 1944, Carol, Bob, Irene, and Sandy - thanks to foresight, engineering, and the enduring resolve of its community. The seawall, originally constructed after the 1938 hurricane and later reinforced with concrete, remains a symbol of both protection and persistence. The Dunes Club has stood as a testament to resilience, stewardship, and shared memory.

 

In 2025, The 1928 Foundation was established to carry that legacy forward, preserving the Club’s historic structures, protecting the dunes and coastline, and ensuring that future generations can continue to make memories where history meets the sea. Through restoration, conservation, and community engagement, the Foundation safeguards not only a place, but a spirit, one that has withstood the test of time and tide.