Rhode Island Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

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{{RI-sidebar}}''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Rhode Island Genealogy|Rhode Island]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Archives and Libraries''' <br>
{{RI-sidebar}}''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Rhode Island Genealogy|Rhode Island]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Archives and Libraries''' <br>


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{{TOC left}}These repositories preserve sources, maintain indexes, and provide services to help genealogists document their ancestors who lived in Rhode Island.
{| style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
| These repositories preserve sources, maintain indexes, and provide services to help genealogists document their ancestors who lived in Rhode Island.


=== Wiki Articles on Major Repositories in Rhode Island ===
=== Wiki Articles on Major Repositories in Rhode Island ===
[[American Antiquarian Society]]{{·}} [[American-French Genealogical Society]]{{·}} [[National Archives at Boston]]{{·}} [[New England Historic Genealogical Society]]{{·}} [[Judicial Records Center]]{{·}} Rhode Island Genealogical Society{{·}} [[Rhode Island Historical Society]]{{·}} [[Rhode Island State Archives]]{{·}} Rhode Island State Library{{·}} [[Brown University Rockefeller Library]]{{·}} Davisville Free Library{{·}} East Greenwich Free Library{{·}} [[Newport Historical Society]]{{·}} [[Providence Public Library]]{{·}} Roger William University Library{{·}} Tiverston Public Library{{·}} Westerly Public Library
[[American Antiquarian Society]]{{·}} [[American-French Genealogical Society]]{{·}} [[Brown University Rockefeller Library]]{{·}} [[Davisville Free Library]]{{·}} [[East Greenwich Free Library]]{{·}} [[Judicial Records Center]]{{·}} [[National Archives at Boston]]{{·}} [[New England Historic Genealogical Society]]{{·}} [[Newport Historical Society]]{{·}} [[Providence City Hall]]{{·}} [[Providence Public Library]]{{·}} [[Rhode Island Genealogical Society]]{{·}} [[Rhode Island Historical Society]]{{·}} [[Rhode Island State Archives]]{{·}} [[Rhode Island State Library]]{{·}} [[Roger William University Library]]{{·}} [[Tiverton Public Library]]{{·}} [[University of Rhode Island Carothers Library]]{{·}} [[Westerly Public Library]]


=== Online Records of Rhode Island  ===
=== Online Records of Rhode Island  ===


{{Click|Image:RI_ORP.png|Rhode Island Online Genealogy Records|left}}{{DCfollowup}}<br>
{| style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
[[Image:WorcesterMA AntiquarianSociety 2.jpg|thumb|right|280px|American Antiquarian Society Worcester, MA]]
| {{Click|Image:RI_ORP.png|Rhode Island Online Genealogy Records|left}}{{DCfollowup}}<br>
[[Image:NARA Boston.jpg|thumb|right|280px|National Archives at Boston (in Waltham MA)]]
=== National Repositories ===
=== National Repositories ===


==== American Antiquarian Society  ====
==== National Archives at Boston ====
'''[[American Antiquarian Society]]'''<br>185 Salisbury Street<br>Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1634<br>Telephone: 508-755-5221<br>Fax: 508-753-3311<br>E-mail: [mailto:Library@americanantiquarian.org Library@americanantiquarian.org]<br>Website: [http://www.americanantiquarian.org/ American Antiquarian Society]<br><br>
[[National Archives at Boston]]<br>380 Trapelo Road<br>Waltham, MA 02452-6399<br>Phone: (781) 663-0130<br>Fax: (781) 663-0154<br>E-mail: [mailto:waltham.archives@nara.gov waltham.archives@nara.gov]<br> Website: [http://www.archives.gov/northeast/boston/ National Archives at Boston]
|}
|}
:The AAS is best known for its U.S. newspaper collection of over 18,000 bound volumes 1704-1820, history, genealogy, Bibles, maps, biography, directories, Native Americans, women, canals, railroads, photos, manuscripts.<ref name="DB59">William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer. ''America's Best Genealogy Resource Centers'' (Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998), 59. {{WorldCat|39493985}}; {{FHL|728550|item|disp=FHL Ref Book 973 J54d}}.</ref>  They have '''Rhode Island''' vital records, newspapers, and town histories. One of the best genealogy centers in America.<ref name="DB53">Dollarhide and Bremer, 53.</ref><br><br>
:The National Archives at Boston collects Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and '''Rhode Island''' documents, photos, and maps of 80 federal agencies, War of 1812, fortifications, coastal facilities, World War II research at Harvard and MIT, federal bankruptcy courts, First Circuit Court of Appeals, Navy, Coast Guard, westward expansion, ethnology, genealogy, Revolutionary War, Civil War, captured German records, territorial papers, censuses, passenger arrival records for Boston and New England, and Canadian border crossings.<ref name="DB124">Dollarhide and Bremer, 124.</ref><br><br>
 
==== American-French Genealogical Society ====
{| style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
| '''[[American-French Genealogical Society]]'''[[File:AFGS Building Side4 10 11.JPG|thumb|right|280px|American-French Genealogical Society]]<br>P.O. Box 2010<br>78 Earle Street<br>Woonsocket, RI 02895<br>Telephone: 401-765-6141<br>Fax: 401-765-6141<br>E-mail: [mailto:database@afgs.org database@afgs.org]<br>Website: [http://www.afgs.org/ American-French Genealogical Society]<br><br>
 
:Has collections pertaining to cultural, genealogical, historical and biographical matter relating to Americans of French and French Canadian descent. Collections include databases, cemetery, headstone and obituary records, as well as French-American marriage records for Rhode Island (see The Forget Files). The website has genealogy links and includes a section on Acadian heritage.<br><br>
|}
==== National Archives at Boston ====
[[Image:NARA Boston.jpg|right|280px|NARA Boston.jpg]]'''[[National Archives at Boston]]'''<br>380 Trapelo Road<br>Waltham, MA 02452-6399<br>Phone: (781) 663-0130<br>Fax: (781) 663-0154<br>E-mail: [mailto:waltham.archives@nara.gov waltham.archives@nara.gov]<br> Website: [http://www.archives.gov/northeast/boston/ National Archives at Boston]<br><br>
 
:Collects Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and '''Rhode Island''' documents, photos, and maps of 80 federal agencies, War of 1812, fortifications, coastal facilities, World War II research at Harvard and MIT, federal bankruptcy courts, First Circuit Court of Appeals, Navy, Coast Guard, westward expansion, ethnology, genealogy, Revolutionary War, Civil War, captured German records, territorial papers, censuses, passenger arrival records for Boston and New England, and Canadian border crossings.<ref name="DB124">Dollarhide and Bremer, 124.</ref><br><br>
 
==== New England Historic Genealogical Society ====
[[Image:NEHGS Newbury Street.jpg|right|210px|NEHGS Newbury Street.jpg]]'''[[New England Historic Genealogical Society]]'''<br>101 Newbury Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007<br>Telephone: &nbsp;617-536-5740; Library 617-226-1231<br>Fax: &nbsp;617-536-7307<br>E-mail: &nbsp;[mailto:info@nehgs.org info@nehgs.org]<br>Website: [http://www.americanancestors.org/home.html AmericanAncestors.org]<br><br>
 
:Best overall collection for New England (and '''Rhode Island''') vital records and probates, and excellent collection for Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe. The manuscript collection for members-only has diaries, letters, account books, business papers, church and town records, sermons, maps, wills, deeds, unpublished town and family genealogies, photos, and papers of the region's best genealogists since 1850.<ref name="Wik">"New England Historic Genealogical Society" in ''Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia'' at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Historic_Genealogical_Society (accessed 30 August 2010).</ref> <ref>[http://www.americanancestors.org/education/learning-resources/read/using-the-nehgs-library/ Using the NEHGS Library] in ''American Ancestors" (accessed 21 September 2015).</ref> <ref name="DB55759">Dollarhide and Bremer, 5, 57, and 59.</ref><br><br>


=== Statewide Repositories ===
=== Statewide Repositories ===
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==== Judicial Records Center  ====
==== Judicial Records Center  ====


'''[[Judicial Records Center]]'''<br>5 Hill Street<br>Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860<br>Telephone: 401-721-2641<br>Website: [https://www.courts.ri.gov/JudicialRecordsCenter/Pages/default.aspx Judicial Records Center]<br><br>
[[Judicial Records Center]]<br>5 Hill Street<br>Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860<br>Telephone: 401-721-2641<br>Website: [https://www.courts.ri.gov/JudicialRecordsCenter/Pages/default.aspx Judicial Records Center]


:Rhode Island state and county civil, criminal, and divorce cases 1671-1900, and naturalizations 1671-1982.<ref>[https://www.courts.ri.gov/JudicialRecordsCenter/Pages/Research%20in%20The%20Archives.aspx Archives-Research] in ''Judicial Records Center'' (accessed 11 April 2015).</ref><br><br>
:Rhode Island state and county civil, criminal, and divorce cases 1671-1900, and naturalizations 1671-1982.<ref>[https://www.courts.ri.gov/JudicialRecordsCenter/Pages/Research%20in%20The%20Archives.aspx Archives-Research] in ''Judicial Records Center'' (accessed 11 April 2015).</ref><br><br>


==== Rhode Island Genealogical Society ====  
==== Rhode Island Genealogical Society ====
P.O. Box 433<br>Greenville, RI 02828<br>Email: [mailto:info@rigensoc.org info@rigensoc.org]<br>Website: [http://www.rigensoc.org/ Rhode Island Genealogical Society]<br><br>
[[Rhode Island Genealogical Society]]<br>
P.O. Box 433<br>Greenville, RI 02828<br>Email: [mailto:info@rigensoc.org info@rigensoc.org]<br>Website: [http://www.rigensoc.org/ Rhode Island Genealogical Society]


:Website provides some listings of holdings in Rhode Island libraries pertaining to RI genealogical and historical research. Some online resources available to members only.<br><br>
:Website provides some listings of holdings in Rhode Island libraries pertaining to RI genealogical and historical research. Some online resources available to members only.<br><br>


==== Rhode Island Historical Society ====
==== Rhode Island Historical Society ====
'''[[Rhode Island Historical Society|Rhode Island Historical Society]]'''[[File:Rhode_Island_Historical_Society.jpg |right|280px|Rhode Island Historical Society]]<br>121 Hope Street<br>Providence, RI 02906<br>Telephone: 401-331-8575<br>Fax: 401-351-0127<br>Website: [http://www.rihs.org/ Rhode Island Historical Society]<br><br>
[[Rhode Island Historical Society]][[File:Rhode_Island_Historical_Society.jpg|thumb|right|280px|RI Historical Society in Providence]]<br>121 Hope Street<br>Providence, RI 02906<br>Telephone: 401-331-8575<br>Fax: 401-351-0127<br>Website: [http://www.rihs.org/ Rhode Island Historical Society]


:Houses the state's largest genealogical collection including local histories, manuscripts, census, cemetery, military, economic, social, church records, family Bibles, family histories, newspapers, genealogy, women’s history, and business records.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:Houses the state's largest genealogical collection including local histories, manuscripts, census, cemetery, military, economic, social, church records, family Bibles, family histories, newspapers, genealogy, women’s history, and business records.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>


==== Rhode Island State Archives ====
==== Rhode Island State Archives ====
'''[[Rhode Island State Archives|Rhode Island State Archives]]'''<br>337 Westminster Street<br>Providence, RI 02903-3302<br>Telephone: 401-277-2353<br>Fax: 401-277-3199<br>E-mail: [http://sos.ri.gov/contact Contact Us] e-mail form<br>Website: [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/Archives Rhode Island State Archives]<br><br>
[[Rhode Island State Archives|Rhode Island State Archives]]<br>337 Westminster Street<br>Providence, RI 02903-3302<br>Telephone: 401-277-2353<br>Fax: 401-277-3199<br>E-mail: [http://sos.ri.gov/contact Contact Us] e-mail form<br>Website: [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/Archives Rhode Island State Archives]


:The earliest town records collection from 1638 to the present, state censuses at ten year intervals between 1865-1935; state birth and marriage records for the years 1853-1897, state deaths for the years 1853-1947; and military records. The archives also maintains a large map collection.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:The earliest town records collection from 1638 to the present, state censuses at ten year intervals between 1865-1935; state birth and marriage records for the years 1853-1897, state deaths for the years 1853-1947; and military records. The archives also maintains a large map collection.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>


==== Rhode Island State Library  ====
==== Rhode Island State Library  ====
'''Rhode Island State Library'''<br><br>
[[Rhode Island State Library]]
 
:They have the largest book collection in the state, including almost all state and town histories, biographies, and genealogies.<ref name ="DB99">Dollarhide and Bremer, 99.</ref><br><br>
:They have the largest book collection in the state, including almost all state and town histories, biographies, and genealogies.<ref name ="DB99">Dollarhide and Bremer, 99.</ref><br><br>


=== Regional Repositories ===
=== Regional Repositories ===


==== American-French Genealogical Society ====
[[American-French Genealogical Society]][[File:AFGS Building Side4 10 11.JPG|thumb|right|280px|Amer-French Gen Soc in Woonsocket]]<br>P.O. Box 2010<br>78 Earle Street<br>Woonsocket, RI 02895<br>Telephone: 401-765-6141<br>Fax: 401-765-6141<br>E-mail: [mailto:database@afgs.org database@afgs.org]<br>Website: [http://www.afgs.org/ American-French Genealogical Society]
:Has collections pertaining to cultural, genealogical, historical and biographical matter relating to Americans of French and French Canadian descent. Collections include databases, cemetery, headstone and obituary records, as well as French-American marriage records for Rhode Island (see The Forget Files). The website has genealogy links and includes a section on Acadian heritage.<br><br>
[[File:BrownUniversity-JohnDRockefellerJrLibrary.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Brown Univ Rockefeller Library in Providence]]
==== Brown University Rockefeller Library  ====
==== Brown University Rockefeller Library  ====


'''[[Brown University Rockefeller Library]]'''[[File:BrownUniversity-JohnDRockefellerJrLibrary.jpg|right|280px]]<br>10 Prospect Street / Box A<br>Providence, RI 02912<br>Telephone: 401-863-2165<br>E-mail: [mailto:rock@brown.edu rock@brown.edu]<br>Website: [http://library.brown.edu/about/rock/ Brown University Rockefeller Library]<br><br>
[[Brown University Rockefeller Library]]<br>10 Prospect Street / Box A<br>Providence, RI 02912<br>Telephone: 401-863-2165<br>E-mail: [mailto:rock@brown.edu rock@brown.edu]<br>Website: [http://library.brown.edu/about/rock/ Brown University Rockefeller Library]


:Virtually a second state archives with a huge book collection, manuscripts regarding New England settlers, biographies, and genealogies.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:Virtually a second state archives with a huge book collection, manuscripts regarding New England settlers, biographies, and genealogies.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
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==== Davisville Free Library  ====
==== Davisville Free Library  ====


'''Davisville Free Library'''[[File:NorthKingstownRI DavisvilleFreePublicLibrary.jpg|right|280px]]<br>481 Davisville Road<br>North Kingstown, RI 02852<br>Telephone: 401-884-5524<br>E-mail: [mailto:askref@askri.org askref@askri.org]<br>Website: [http://davisvillefreelibrary.org/default.htm Davisville Free Library]<br><br>
[[Davisville Free Library]][[File:NorthKingstownRI DavisvilleFreePublicLibrary.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Davisville Free Public Library]]<br>481 Davisville Road<br>North Kingstown, RI 02852<br>Telephone: 401-884-5524<br>E-mail: [mailto:askref@askri.org askref@askri.org]<br>Website: [http://davisvillefreelibrary.org/default.htm Davisville Free Library]


:This a good book collection with good genealogical reference works. It includes genealogical periodicals and family folders.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:This a good book collection with good genealogical reference works. It includes genealogical periodicals and family folders.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>


==== East Greenwich Free Library ====
==== East Greenwich Free Library ====
'''East Greenwich Free Library'''<br>82 Peirce Street<br>East Greenwich, RI 02818<br>Telephone: 401-884-9510<br>E-mail: [http://askri.org/chat-2/ E-mail a Librarian] form<br>Website: [http://www.eastgreenwichlibrary.org/ East Greenwich Free Library]<br><br>
[[East Greenwich Free Library]]<br>82 Peirce Street<br>East Greenwich, RI 02818<br>Telephone: 401-884-9510<br>E-mail: [http://askri.org/chat-2/ E-mail a Librarian] form<br>Website: [http://www.eastgreenwichlibrary.org/ East Greenwich Free Library]


:Researchers will find town histories, digital RI newspaper archives, and the RI Sanborn map collection online (this last requires user ID and password). Also, they have a good collection of genealogical reference books periodicals, and family folders.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:Researchers will find town histories, digital RI newspaper archives, and the RI Sanborn map collection online (this last requires user ID and password). Also, they have a good collection of genealogical reference books periodicals, and family folders.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
 
[[File:Newport Historical Society RI.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Newport Historical Society]]
==== Newport Historical Society ====
==== Newport Historical Society ====
'''[[Newport Historical Society]]'''[[File:Newport Historical Society RI.jpg|right|280px]]<br>82 Touro Street<br>Newport, RI 02840<br>Telephone: 401-846-0813<br>E-mail: [mailto:bsullivan@newporthistorical.org bsullivan@newporthistorical.org]<br>Website: [http://www.newporthistory.org/ Newport Historical Society]<br><br>
[[Newport Historical Society]]<br>82 Touro Street<br>Newport, RI 02840<br>Telephone: 401-846-0813<br>E-mail: [mailto:bsullivan@newporthistorical.org bsullivan@newporthistorical.org]<br>Website: [http://www.newporthistory.org/ Newport Historical Society]


:The Library dates to the founding of the Newport Historical Society in 1854 and includes works on the history of Newport County and the surrounding area. The collection contains approximately 12,000 volumes reflecting the settlement and development of Newport County. Because Rhode Island was established by settlers and refugees from other colonies, the collection includes works on early Southeastern New England families and governments that contributed to the history of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations. Also included are general reference works.[[File:Providence Rhode Island City Hall.jpg|right|190px]]<br><br>
:The Library dates to the founding of the Newport Historical Society in 1854 and includes works on the history of Newport County and the surrounding area. The collection contains approximately 12,000 volumes reflecting the settlement and development of Newport County. Because Rhode Island was established by settlers and refugees from other colonies, the collection includes works on early Southeastern New England families and governments that contributed to the history of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations. Also included are general reference works.[[File:Providence Rhode Island City Hall.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Providence City Hall]]<br><br>


==== Providence City Archives ====
==== Providence City Archives ====
'''Providence City Hall'''<br>25 Dorrance Street<br>Providence, RI 02903<br>Telephone: 401-421-7740<br>E-mail: [http://www.providenceri.com/archives/contact City Archives e-mail contact form]<br>Website: [http://www.providenceri.com/archives Providence City Archives]<br><br>
[[Providence City Hall]]<br>25 Dorrance Street<br>Providence, RI 02903<br>Telephone: 401-421-7740<br>E-mail: [http://www.providenceri.com/archives/contact City Archives e-mail contact form]<br>Website: [http://www.providenceri.com/archives Providence City Archives]


:Holdings include early town records, vital records (including indexes to births, marriages, and deaths 1636 to mid-20th century - some restrictions may apply), tax records, probate records and indices, various property records, records of government proceedings, etc. For additional information, see [http://www.providenceri.com/archives/about-us/basic-holdings Basic Holdings] and [http://www.providenceri.com/archives/finding-aids Research].<br><br>
:Holdings include early town records, vital records (including indexes to births, marriages, and deaths 1636 to mid-20th century - some restrictions may apply), tax records, probate records and indices, various property records, records of government proceedings, etc. For additional information, see [http://www.providenceri.com/archives/about-us/basic-holdings Basic Holdings] and [http://www.providenceri.com/archives/finding-aids Research].<br><br>


[[File:Providence Public Library SE 2015.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Providence Public Library]]
==== Providence Public Library  ====
==== Providence Public Library  ====
 
[[Providence Public Library]]<br>150 Empire Street<br>Providence, RI 02903<br>Telephone: 401-455-8000<br>E-mail: [mailto:askref@askri.org askref@askri.org]<br>Website: [http://www.provlib.org/ Providence Public Library]
'''[[Providence Public Library]]'''[[File:Providence Public Library SE 2015.jpg|right|280px]]<br>150 Empire Street<br>Providence, RI 02903<br>Telephone: 401-455-8000<br>E-mail: [mailto:askref@askri.org askref@askri.org]<br>Website: [http://www.provlib.org/ Providence Public Library]<br><br>


:This is a very good collection of published genealogies, biographies, periodicals and family folders.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:This is a very good collection of published genealogies, biographies, periodicals and family folders.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
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==== Roger Williams University Library  ====
==== Roger Williams University Library  ====


'''Roger Williams University Library'''[[File:RWU University Library.jpg|right|280px]]<br>One Old Ferry Road<br>Bristol, RI 02809<br>Telephone: 800-458-7144, or 401-253-1040<br>E-mail: [mailto:libref@rwu.edu libref@rwu.edu]<br>Website: [http://library.rwu.edu/ RWU University Libraries]<br><br>
[[Roger Williams University Library]][[File:RWU University Library.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Roger Williams University Library in Bristol]]<br>One Old Ferry Road<br>Bristol, RI 02809<br>Telephone: 800-458-7144, or 401-253-1040<br>E-mail: [mailto:libref@rwu.edu libref@rwu.edu]<br>Website: [http://library.rwu.edu/ RWU University Libraries]


:Their huge book selection includes periodicals, newspapers, biography indexes, genealogies, family folders and histories, indexes and the largest Baptist collection in New England.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:Their huge book selection includes periodicals, newspapers, biography indexes, genealogies, family folders and histories, indexes and the largest Baptist collection in New England.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
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==== Tiverton Public Library  ====
==== Tiverton Public Library  ====


'''Tiverton Public Library'''<br>34 Roosevelt Avenue<br>Tiverton, RI 02878<br>Telephone: 401-625-6796<br>E-mail: [mailto:staff@tivertonlibrary.org staff@tivertonlibrary.org]<br>Website: [http://www.tivertonlibrary.org/ Tiverton Public Library]<br><br>
[[Tiverton Public Library]]<br>34 Roosevelt Avenue<br>Tiverton, RI 02878<br>Telephone: 401-625-6796<br>E-mail: [mailto:staff@tivertonlibrary.org staff@tivertonlibrary.org]<br>Website: [http://www.tivertonlibrary.org/ Tiverton Public Library]


:They have a good collection of published genealogies.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:They have a good collection of published genealogies.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>


==== University of Rhode Island Carothers Library  ====
==== University of Rhode Island Carothers Library  ====
'''University of Rhode Island Carothers Library'''<br><br>
[[University of Rhode Island Carothers Library]]
 
:This collection has books, maps, biographies, and histories about Rhode Island residents.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:This collection has books, maps, biographies, and histories about Rhode Island residents.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>


==== Westerly Public Library  ====
==== Westerly Public Library  ====


'''Westerly Public Library'''[[File:Public library, Westerly, R.I (62892).jpg|right|280px]]<br>44 Broad Street<br>Westerly, RI 02981<br>Telephone: 401-596-2877 x3<br>E-mail: [mailto:cbadowski@westerlylibrary.org cbadowski@westerlylibrary.org]<br>Website: [http://westerlylibrary.org/ Westerly Library and Wilcox Park]<br><br>
[[Westerly Public Library]][[File:Public library, Westerly, R.I (62892).jpg|thumb|right|280px|Westerly Public Library]]<br>44 Broad Street<br>Westerly, RI 02981<br>Telephone: 401-596-2877 x3<br>E-mail: [mailto:cbadowski@westerlylibrary.org cbadowski@westerlylibrary.org]<br>Website: [http://westerlylibrary.org/ Westerly Library and Wilcox Park]


:There large genealogical book collection includes family folders, family histories, and indexes regarding Rhode Island families.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>
:There large genealogical book collection includes family folders, family histories, and indexes regarding Rhode Island families.<ref name="DB99" /><br><br>


=== Repositories Guidebook ===
=== Outside of Rhode Island Repositories ===
 
==== American Antiquarian Society  ====
[[Image:WorcesterMA AntiquarianSociety 2.jpg|thumb|right|280px|American Antiquarian Society in Worcester MA]][[American Antiquarian Society]]<br>185 Salisbury Street<br>Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1634<br>Telephone: 508-755-5221<br>Fax: 508-753-3311<br>E-mail: [mailto:Library@americanantiquarian.org Library@americanantiquarian.org]<br>Website: [http://www.americanantiquarian.org/ American Antiquarian Society]
 
:The AAS is best known for its U.S. newspaper collection of over 18,000 bound volumes 1704-1820, history, genealogy, Bibles, maps, biography, directories, Native Americans, women, canals, railroads, photos, manuscripts.<ref name="DB59">William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer. ''America's Best Genealogy Resource Centers'' (Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998), 59. {{WorldCat|39493985}}; {{FHL|728550|item|disp=FHL Ref Book 973 J54d}}.</ref>  They have '''Rhode Island''' vital records, newspapers, and town histories. One of the best genealogy centers in America.<ref name="DB53">Dollarhide and Bremer, 53.</ref><br><br>
 
==== New England Historic Genealogical Society ====
[[Image:NEHGS Newbury Street.jpg|thumb|right|210px|NEHGS 101 Newbury St in Boston]][[New England Historic Genealogical Society]] (NEHGS)<br>101 Newbury Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007<br>Telephone: &nbsp;617-536-5740; Library 617-226-1231<br>Fax: &nbsp;617-536-7307<br>E-mail: &nbsp;[mailto:info@nehgs.org info@nehgs.org]<br>Website: [http://www.americanancestors.org/home.html AmericanAncestors.org]
 
:Best overall collection for New England (and '''Rhode Island''') vital records and probates, and excellent collection for Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe. The manuscript collection for members-only has diaries, letters, account books, business papers, church and town records, sermons, maps, wills, deeds, unpublished town and family genealogies, photos, and papers of the region's best genealogists since 1850.<ref name="Wik">"New England Historic Genealogical Society" in ''Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia'' at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Historic_Genealogical_Society (accessed 30 August 2010).</ref> <ref>[http://www.americanancestors.org/education/learning-resources/read/using-the-nehgs-library/ Using the NEHGS Library] in ''American Ancestors" (accessed 21 September 2015).</ref> <ref name="DB55759">Dollarhide and Bremer, 5, 57, and 59.</ref><br><br>
 
=== For Further Reading ===


*Clarence S. Brigham, ''Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1903'', Volume 1 (Washington, D.C.: American Historical Association, 1904) {{WorldCat|1150082}}; {{FHL|244375|item|disp=FHL film 896553 item 2; book 973 C4ah}}. An important inventory of manuscript records including Rhode Island state, county, and town archives.
*Clarence S. Brigham, ''Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1903'', Volume 1 (Washington, D.C.: American Historical Association, 1904) {{WorldCat|1150082}}; {{FHL|244375|item|disp=FHL film 896553 item 2; book 973 C4ah}}. An important inventory of manuscript records including Rhode Island state, county, and town archives.<br><br>


=== Sources  ===
=== Sources  ===


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{{Rhode Island|Rhode Island}}{{U.S. Archives and Libraries}} </div>
{{Rhode Island|Rhode Island}}{{U.S. Archives and Libraries}}  
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Archives_and_Libraries]]
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Archives_and_Libraries]]

Revision as of 09:11, 30 April 2016

Rhode Island Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Rhode Island Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

United States Gotoarrow.png Rhode Island Gotoarrow.png Archives and Libraries

These repositories preserve sources, maintain indexes, and provide services to help genealogists document their ancestors who lived in Rhode Island.

Wiki Articles on Major Repositories in Rhode Island[edit | edit source]

American Antiquarian Society · American-French Genealogical Society · Brown University Rockefeller Library · Davisville Free Library · East Greenwich Free Library · Judicial Records Center · National Archives at Boston · New England Historic Genealogical Society · Newport Historical Society · Providence City Hall · Providence Public Library · Rhode Island Genealogical Society · Rhode Island Historical Society · Rhode Island State Archives · Rhode Island State Library · Roger William University Library · Tiverton Public Library · University of Rhode Island Carothers Library · Westerly Public Library

Online Records of Rhode Island[edit | edit source]

RI ORP.png
Links to online databases and indexes that may include vital records, biographies, cemeteries, censuses, histories, immigration records, land records, maps, military records, naturalizations, newspapers, obituaries, or probate records.

National Archives at Boston (in Waltham MA)

National Repositories[edit | edit source]

National Archives at Boston[edit | edit source]

National Archives at Boston
380 Trapelo Road
Waltham, MA 02452-6399
Phone: (781) 663-0130
Fax: (781) 663-0154
E-mail: waltham.archives@nara.gov
Website: National Archives at Boston

The National Archives at Boston collects Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island documents, photos, and maps of 80 federal agencies, War of 1812, fortifications, coastal facilities, World War II research at Harvard and MIT, federal bankruptcy courts, First Circuit Court of Appeals, Navy, Coast Guard, westward expansion, ethnology, genealogy, Revolutionary War, Civil War, captured German records, territorial papers, censuses, passenger arrival records for Boston and New England, and Canadian border crossings.[1]

Statewide Repositories[edit | edit source]

Judicial Records Center[edit | edit source]

Judicial Records Center
5 Hill Street
Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
Telephone: 401-721-2641
Website: Judicial Records Center

Rhode Island state and county civil, criminal, and divorce cases 1671-1900, and naturalizations 1671-1982.[2]

Rhode Island Genealogical Society[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 433
Greenville, RI 02828
Email: info@rigensoc.org
Website: Rhode Island Genealogical Society

Website provides some listings of holdings in Rhode Island libraries pertaining to RI genealogical and historical research. Some online resources available to members only.

Rhode Island Historical Society[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island Historical Society

RI Historical Society in Providence


121 Hope Street
Providence, RI 02906
Telephone: 401-331-8575
Fax: 401-351-0127
Website: Rhode Island Historical Society

Houses the state's largest genealogical collection including local histories, manuscripts, census, cemetery, military, economic, social, church records, family Bibles, family histories, newspapers, genealogy, women’s history, and business records.[3]

Rhode Island State Archives[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island State Archives
337 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903-3302
Telephone: 401-277-2353
Fax: 401-277-3199
E-mail: Contact Us e-mail form
Website: Rhode Island State Archives

The earliest town records collection from 1638 to the present, state censuses at ten year intervals between 1865-1935; state birth and marriage records for the years 1853-1897, state deaths for the years 1853-1947; and military records. The archives also maintains a large map collection.[3]

Rhode Island State Library[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island State Library

They have the largest book collection in the state, including almost all state and town histories, biographies, and genealogies.[3]

Regional Repositories[edit | edit source]

American-French Genealogical Society[edit | edit source]

American-French Genealogical Society

Amer-French Gen Soc in Woonsocket


P.O. Box 2010
78 Earle Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Telephone: 401-765-6141
Fax: 401-765-6141
E-mail: database@afgs.org
Website: American-French Genealogical Society

Has collections pertaining to cultural, genealogical, historical and biographical matter relating to Americans of French and French Canadian descent. Collections include databases, cemetery, headstone and obituary records, as well as French-American marriage records for Rhode Island (see The Forget Files). The website has genealogy links and includes a section on Acadian heritage.

Brown Univ Rockefeller Library in Providence

Brown University Rockefeller Library[edit | edit source]

Brown University Rockefeller Library
10 Prospect Street / Box A
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: 401-863-2165
E-mail: rock@brown.edu
Website: Brown University Rockefeller Library

Virtually a second state archives with a huge book collection, manuscripts regarding New England settlers, biographies, and genealogies.[3]

Davisville Free Library[edit | edit source]

Davisville Free Library

Davisville Free Public Library


481 Davisville Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Telephone: 401-884-5524
E-mail: askref@askri.org
Website: Davisville Free Library

This a good book collection with good genealogical reference works. It includes genealogical periodicals and family folders.[3]

East Greenwich Free Library[edit | edit source]

East Greenwich Free Library
82 Peirce Street
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Telephone: 401-884-9510
E-mail: E-mail a Librarian form
Website: East Greenwich Free Library

Researchers will find town histories, digital RI newspaper archives, and the RI Sanborn map collection online (this last requires user ID and password). Also, they have a good collection of genealogical reference books periodicals, and family folders.[3]

Newport Historical Society

Newport Historical Society[edit | edit source]

Newport Historical Society
82 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-846-0813
E-mail: bsullivan@newporthistorical.org
Website: Newport Historical Society

The Library dates to the founding of the Newport Historical Society in 1854 and includes works on the history of Newport County and the surrounding area. The collection contains approximately 12,000 volumes reflecting the settlement and development of Newport County. Because Rhode Island was established by settlers and refugees from other colonies, the collection includes works on early Southeastern New England families and governments that contributed to the history of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations. Also included are general reference works.
Providence City Hall


Providence City Archives[edit | edit source]

Providence City Hall
25 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
Telephone: 401-421-7740
E-mail: City Archives e-mail contact form
Website: Providence City Archives

Holdings include early town records, vital records (including indexes to births, marriages, and deaths 1636 to mid-20th century - some restrictions may apply), tax records, probate records and indices, various property records, records of government proceedings, etc. For additional information, see Basic Holdings and Research.

Providence Public Library

Providence Public Library[edit | edit source]

Providence Public Library
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Telephone: 401-455-8000
E-mail: askref@askri.org
Website: Providence Public Library

This is a very good collection of published genealogies, biographies, periodicals and family folders.[3]

Roger Williams University Library[edit | edit source]

Roger Williams University Library

Roger Williams University Library in Bristol


One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
Telephone: 800-458-7144, or 401-253-1040
E-mail: libref@rwu.edu
Website: RWU University Libraries

Their huge book selection includes periodicals, newspapers, biography indexes, genealogies, family folders and histories, indexes and the largest Baptist collection in New England.[3]

Tiverton Public Library[edit | edit source]

Tiverton Public Library
34 Roosevelt Avenue
Tiverton, RI 02878
Telephone: 401-625-6796
E-mail: staff@tivertonlibrary.org
Website: Tiverton Public Library

They have a good collection of published genealogies.[3]

University of Rhode Island Carothers Library[edit | edit source]

University of Rhode Island Carothers Library

This collection has books, maps, biographies, and histories about Rhode Island residents.[3]

Westerly Public Library[edit | edit source]

Westerly Public Library

Westerly Public Library


44 Broad Street
Westerly, RI 02981
Telephone: 401-596-2877 x3
E-mail: cbadowski@westerlylibrary.org
Website: Westerly Library and Wilcox Park

There large genealogical book collection includes family folders, family histories, and indexes regarding Rhode Island families.[3]

Outside of Rhode Island Repositories[edit | edit source]

American Antiquarian Society[edit | edit source]

American Antiquarian Society in Worcester MA

American Antiquarian Society
185 Salisbury Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1634
Telephone: 508-755-5221
Fax: 508-753-3311
E-mail: Library@americanantiquarian.org
Website: American Antiquarian Society

The AAS is best known for its U.S. newspaper collection of over 18,000 bound volumes 1704-1820, history, genealogy, Bibles, maps, biography, directories, Native Americans, women, canals, railroads, photos, manuscripts.[4] They have Rhode Island vital records, newspapers, and town histories. One of the best genealogy centers in America.[5]

New England Historic Genealogical Society[edit | edit source]

NEHGS 101 Newbury St in Boston

New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS)
101 Newbury Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-3007
Telephone:  617-536-5740; Library 617-226-1231
Fax:  617-536-7307
E-mail:  info@nehgs.org
Website: AmericanAncestors.org

Best overall collection for New England (and Rhode Island) vital records and probates, and excellent collection for Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe. The manuscript collection for members-only has diaries, letters, account books, business papers, church and town records, sermons, maps, wills, deeds, unpublished town and family genealogies, photos, and papers of the region's best genealogists since 1850.[6] [7] [8]

For Further Reading[edit | edit source]

  • Clarence S. Brigham, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1903, Volume 1 (Washington, D.C.: American Historical Association, 1904) WorldCat 1150082; FHL film 896553 item 2; book 973 C4ah. An important inventory of manuscript records including Rhode Island state, county, and town archives.

Sources[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 124.
  2. ↑ Archives-Research in Judicial Records Center (accessed 11 April 2015).
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 Dollarhide and Bremer, 99.
  4. ↑ William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer. America's Best Genealogy Resource Centers (Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998), 59. WorldCat 39493985; FHL Ref Book 973 J54d.
  5. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 53.
  6. ↑ "New England Historic Genealogical Society" in Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Historic_Genealogical_Society (accessed 30 August 2010).
  7. ↑ Using the NEHGS Library in American Ancestors" (accessed 21 September 2015).
  8. ↑ Dollarhide and Bremer, 5, 57, and 59.
v • d• e
Links to Rhode Island-related articles
Topics
Counties
Extinct Counties
Major
Repositories
American Antiquarian Society (Worcester MA) · American-French Genealogical Society · Brown University Rockefeller Library · Connecticut State Library (Hartford CT) · Davisville Free Library · Department of Health Office of Vital Records · East Greenwich Free Library · Judicial Records Center · National Archives at Boston (Waltham MA) · New England Historic Genealogical Society (Boston MA) · Newport Historical Society · Providence City Hall · Providence Public Library · Rhode Island Black Heritage Society · Rhode Island Genealogical Society · Rhode Island Historical Society · Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association · Rhode Island State Archives · Rhode Island State Library · Roger William University Library · Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence · Tiverton Public Library · University of Rhode Island Carothers Library · Westerly Public Library
Migration Routes
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Links to U.S. Archives and Libraries-related articles
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Ethnic/Religious
Territories
Former Territories
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