We invite you to visit our library. The Reference Staff will be happy to direct you to resources that may provide the information you seek. We realize that an in-person visit is not always possible. For those of you unable to visit, we can suggest several options based on your topics of interest.
Elementary and Middle School Students
Do you have an assignment to find out about Rhode Island history? Elementary students click here (pdf), Middle School students click here (pdf) for a Rhode Island guide prepared especially for you. For current facts about Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Unwind and Kids Konnect websites.
The Research Center holds printed material, microfilm, microfiche, manuscripts, and graphics. Click on the links below to learn more:
General Rhode Island History Information
Rhode Island Facts and Trivia website for more fun and useful information about Rhode Island
Roots Web for a brief history of the state with timeline
RI History Site or Rhode Island Student/Teacher Guide for a more in-depth treatment of Rhode Island history, by the General Assembly
AskRI: Rhode Island’s Statewide Reference Resource Center is online. This is the place to go with general questions on Rhode Island history. And if you have a card from any of Rhode Island’s public libraries, you can also access a number of electronic resources from this site, including HeritageQuest Online, a resource for genealogy researchers.
Genealogical Research
Selected Genealogical Resources
Rhode Island Vital Records
Naturalization Records
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Genealogical Research in the Manuscripts Collection
Passenger Lists
Ask the Reference Staff
See our reference policy for more information.
Hire an Independent Researcher
For questions that require in-depth research beyond the resources of the RIHS staff you may want to hire an Independent Researcher to conduct your research for you. Researchers on our List of Independent Researchers are familiar with our collections and may be able to help you; or click on the link to the website for the Association of Professional Genealogists.