Local Family History Resources in Rhode Island

Who are you? Who are your ancestors? Where did you come from?

If you live in the state of Rhode Island and you have been looking for a place to find an answer to either one or all of these questions, then you need to look no further. Here I have two major societies for family history in Rhode Island, complete with the the location, hours of operation, and contact information so you can begin researching your family history today.

The Rhode Island Genealogical Society

The Rhode Island Genealogical Society is home to one of the largest collections of genealogical information in the state of Rhode Island. It also hosts the original diaries, papers, and cemetery epitaphs of the many families who had originally settled in the state. The on line website allows you to read past newsletters and to buy copies of thirteen different books by submitting a check through the mail, or on line using a Paypal account.

Street Address: Greenville Public Library, on 573 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 433 Greenville, RI 02828.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. These hours are only applicable during the months of September through May.

The Rhode Island Historical Library Society

The Rhode Island Historical Library contains many printed materials, such as genealogical books and several manuscripts; media-based information includes newspapers, microfilm/microfiche collections, photographs and videos. There are several museums with displays such as furniture, sculptures, and paintings, and the official website of this society also hosts an online catalog of some of their information; (efforts are currently being made to provide the entire collection available on line.) You must schedule an appointment to see the
Manuscripts and Graphics section, but no appointment is necessary to access the Reading Room.

Street and Mailing Address: 121 Hope Street, Providence RI 02906.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Contact Information: Library Director: Karen Eberhart at (401) 273-8107.

Because of the large amount of historical societies that exist in the state of Rhode Island, (over thirty separate resources exist, according to the Rhode Island Historical Records and Advisory Board), I have only listed the two official organizations that contain information for the entire state. If you wish to view the complete register to find a historical society located in your specific hometown or city, you can find a copy of the list here.

Citations:

"RIHRAB Directory of Historical Records Repositories". Rhode Island Historical Records and Advisory Board.
"RI Genealogical Society". Rhode Island Genealogical Society.
"The Research Library: Home". The Rhode Island Historical Society.
"The Rhode Island Historical Society". The Rhode Island Historical Society: Museums.
"Rhode Island Historical Society NETOP". NETOP: RIHS NETworked Online Public Catalog.