Elmwood Walking Tour
Here are few photos from our March 1 walking tour of Providence’s historic Elmwood neighborhood. The still-cold weather didn’t stop … Continue reading Elmwood Walking Tour
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Object Thursday: Landscapes
While we have been concentrating on disaster recovery over the past several weeks (and the gallery has some new photos), … Continue reading Object Thursday: Landscapes
There goes the Reading Room…
We’ve been busy this week, but not as busy as US Art. They are tasked with packing the entire contents … Continue reading There goes the Reading Room…
Object Thursday: February Blooms
April showers, May flowers—who has patience to wait for those?! This cold and slush-filled winter week we bring you some … Continue reading Object Thursday: February Blooms
Object Thursday: Soup Tureen
With the cold weather we’ve had lately, soup seems especially appealing. This Chinese export porcelain tureen in the shape of … Continue reading Object Thursday: Soup Tureen
Object Thursday: Sledding in Saylesville
Children all over Rhode Island are looking forward to a snow day, and wondering why some of them had school … Continue reading Object Thursday: Sledding in Saylesville
Object Thursday: A Band Box for Boxing Day
Elsewhere in the world, it’s Boxing Day, the uniquely British Commonwealth holiday when servants and working people received Christmas boxes … Continue reading Object Thursday: A Band Box for Boxing Day
Object Thursday: Death of Washington
George Washington died December 14, 1799. The A true man of the 18th Century, he passed away just as it … Continue reading Object Thursday: Death of Washington
Object Thursday: Metal Crafts
Rhode Island’s reputation as the Jewelry Capital of the World was born and developed in Providence around 1786. Some of … Continue reading Object Thursday: Metal Crafts
"to render Sincere THANKS"
Three hundred and fifty years ago, Great Britain, France and Spain concluded a world war with a Treaty signed on … Continue reading "to render Sincere THANKS"
A perfidious wretch: Hitchcock's sermon on Arnold's treason
By you probably know how much I like the Reverend Enos Hitchcock in all his forms and centuries. We are … Continue reading A perfidious wretch: Hitchcock's sermon on Arnold's treason
Object Thursday: Gorham Silver
The RIHS has a small but lovely collection of Gorham Manufacturing Company catalogs from the last quarter of the nineteenth … Continue reading Object Thursday: Gorham Silver
Object Thursday: Accounting for Overhalls
The Reverend Enos Hitchcock is an interesting figure, not only for his role as a Continental Army chaplain during the … Continue reading Object Thursday: Accounting for Overhalls
Object Thursday: Grenadier's Caps at Gallery Night
Just back from conservation and display in Boston, tonight’s Brief Encounter will feature the ca. 1745 British Grenadier’s cap from … Continue reading Object Thursday: Grenadier's Caps at Gallery Night
Object Thursday: Parkinson's Electric Royal Ice Pick
The Society recently received a gift of a nickel plated Parkinson’s Electric Royal Ice Pick, 1880-1930. Not having heard of … Continue reading Object Thursday: Parkinson's Electric Royal Ice Pick
Object Thursday: R.I. World View in 1822
What makes a world view? In 1822 a geography book for schools was printed in Providence by Miller & Hutchens … Continue reading Object Thursday: R.I. World View in 1822
Object Thursday: Little Benjamin, or, Confess your Faults
Little eyes and little hands needed books too. The Rhode Island Historical Society holds a lovely collection of children’s books … Continue reading Object Thursday: Little Benjamin, or, Confess your Faults
Nature's Fury, The '38 Hurricane
September 21 marks the 75th anniversary of the Hurricane of 1938 and in writing this entry, I could think of … Continue reading Nature's Fury, The '38 Hurricane
Object Thursday: The Narragansett Basket
The Narragansett Basket is one of only two surviving 17th-century Algonkian baskets in the world. Despite an accompanying note describing … Continue reading Object Thursday: The Narragansett Basket
Object Thursday: A Thimble Full
As soon as humans developed a sewing needle that could stab you in the finger while sewing presumably the thimble … Continue reading Object Thursday: A Thimble Full
Object Thursday: The Foundry
As the end of August approaches, school has started for many students, and summer feels like it’s over. Labor Day … Continue reading Object Thursday: The Foundry
Object Thursday: Engraving Plates
In an age of all things digital, this blog post included, I thought I would shine today’s light on a … Continue reading Object Thursday: Engraving Plates
Object Thursday: Thinking Caps
As we prepare for 2013’s What Cheer! Day, to be held Saturday, October 5, I’ve been thinking about caps. We’ll … Continue reading Object Thursday: Thinking Caps
Object Thursday: Rhode Island Literary Repository
As we digitize and expand the catalog records for the miniatures in the Society’s museum collection, we make connections to … Continue reading Object Thursday: Rhode Island Literary Repository
Object Thursday: T. F. Green’s Grandfather’s Eye
In 1834,Timothy Ruggles Green had this “lover’s eye” miniature made for Cornelia E. Arnold, whom he would marry the following … Continue reading Object Thursday: T. F. Green’s Grandfather’s Eye
Object Thursday: Keeping Smallpox Out of R.I., 1729.
The well-documented smallpox epidemic in Boston in 1721, with its ensuing inoculation controversy, was by no means the end of … Continue reading Object Thursday: Keeping Smallpox Out of R.I., 1729.
Object Thursday – A Box Full of Donuts
Well, these are not exactly the kind of sweet and delicious donuts that you pickup at your local coffee shop. … Continue reading Object Thursday – A Box Full of Donuts
Object Thursday: Julia Bowen's diary
On this Thursday, July 4, 2013, how are you celebrating? Some of us are watching parades, and some of us … Continue reading Object Thursday: Julia Bowen's diary
Object Thursday: Ephemera!
The Encyclopedia of Ephemera [a.] lists over 500 categories of ephemera that have been created over the years. Ephemera have … Continue reading Object Thursday: Ephemera!
Object Thursday: A Stitch in Time
Samplers invoke mixed reactions from people, they either love them, they hate them or they have never heard of them. … Continue reading Object Thursday: A Stitch in Time
Faith & Freedom Friday: Flag Day
June 14th is National Flag Day! To help get you in the mood to fly the American Flag today, we … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Flag Day
Object Thursday: Oh the Places You’ll Go
With summer quickly approaching our thoughts in Rhode Island turn to the sea. For many, our thoughts are always with … Continue reading Object Thursday: Oh the Places You’ll Go
Faith & Freedom Friday: The Reverend and the Governor
James MacSparran (1693-1757) was an Irish born Anglican minister who arrived in Narragansett on April 28, 1721 to take charge … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: The Reverend and the Governor
Object Thursday: D-Day Diary
69 years ago today, the Allies launched the invasion of Europe. Many of us are familiar with D-Day from the … Continue reading Object Thursday: D-Day Diary
Faith & Freedom Friday: The Great American Family
On May 29, 1790, Rhode Island finally voted to ratify the new United States constitution. This broadside, printed on May … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: The Great American Family
Object Thursday: Electric Transcription Discs
In keeping with the theme of unreadable media that the Society holds, this week we highlight the 90 direct to … Continue reading Object Thursday: Electric Transcription Discs
Faith & Freedom Friday: Enos Hitchcock, Army Chaplain
He was born on March 3, 1744 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and came to Providence after the Revolutionary War. When fighting … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Enos Hitchcock, Army Chaplain
Object Thursday: Brunoniana
This week in Providence there is music in the air. That and tens of thousands of parents and alumni of … Continue reading Object Thursday: Brunoniana
Faith & Freedom Friday: At the State House
Until 5:30 yesterday, I’d planned to write about Enos Hitchcock, Revolutionary War chaplain. But after an hour and a half … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: At the State House
Object Thursday: Providence from Across the Cove, 1818
Of all the paintings in the RIHS Collection, this is probably my favorite landscape, though its sister painting, made by … Continue reading Object Thursday: Providence from Across the Cove, 1818
Faith & Freedom Friday: Exhibit & Tours Tomorrow!
We’re ready; are you? Join us tomorrow for a full day of tours exploring the Faith & Freedom theme at … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Exhibit & Tours Tomorrow!
Object Thursday: Faith & Freedom Exhibit and Tours
On Saturday, we open a new exhibition on this year’s interpretive theme, Faith and Freedom. We were busy through the … Continue reading Object Thursday: Faith & Freedom Exhibit and Tours
Faith and Freedom Friday: Workers' Association for Guaranteed Employment (WAGE)
Mark Toney, a Vallejo, California native, came in 1978 to study at Brown University and became active in the peace … Continue reading Faith and Freedom Friday: Workers' Association for Guaranteed Employment (WAGE)
Object Thursdays: Preservation Matters
This week, April 21st through the 27th, is the American Library Association’s National Preservation Week. In the lobby of the … Continue reading Object Thursdays: Preservation Matters
Faith & Freedom Friday: Sweet Sampler
Once upon a time on Benefit Street stood a church that looked like this. The First Congregational Church, now the … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Sweet Sampler
Faith & Freedom Friday: Pew Rental
These two prayer benches (or kneeling benches) belonged to John Snow of Providence, where he used them in the Second … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Pew Rental
Object Thursday: Not at Bunker Hill– A British Officer’s Cap
Every object tells a story, and sometimes more than one. In the RIHS Museum collection, we have a very beautiful … Continue reading Object Thursday: Not at Bunker Hill– A British Officer’s Cap
Faith & Freedom Friday:A Petticoated Dorrite
In a time when women were rarely published and could not vote, Catherine Read Williams was a self-supporting author and … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday:A Petticoated Dorrite
Object Thursday: Reading the Unreadable – 2 inch Quad Videotape in the Stacks
In our column, Object Thursday, we highlight many of the cool collection items that we care for and make accessible … Continue reading Object Thursday: Reading the Unreadable – 2 inch Quad Videotape in the Stacks
Faith & Freedom Friday: Revolution and Rebellion
On Saturday, April 17, 1841, the Suffrage Association of Rhode Island held a Suffrage Parade. The members of the Association … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Revolution and Rebellion
Object Thursday: Sewing with Brown and Sharpe
This small, precisely engineered, beautiful example of Victorian engineering is a Wilcox & Gibbs sewing machine. As an object its … Continue reading Object Thursday: Sewing with Brown and Sharpe
Object Thursday: Empires of the Mind
As winter comes to its end we are reminded that even the darkest days of snow and ice eventually thaw. … Continue reading Object Thursday: Empires of the Mind
Faith and Freedom Friday: "A Christian Ethic for Viet Nam"
On December 5, 1966, 20 year old U.S. Army Specialist 4, McGreary Littlejohn was killed while serving in the Vietnam … Continue reading Faith and Freedom Friday: "A Christian Ethic for Viet Nam"
Object Thursday: Linen Corsets and Leather Pants
It’s not your typical Casual Friday, but it was a Wonderful Wednesday morning. Dana Signe Munroe, Justin Squizzero and I … Continue reading Object Thursday: Linen Corsets and Leather Pants
Faith & Freedom Friday: Rhode Island Wide-Awakes
The Wide-Awake movement formed in March, 1860, after a speech by Cassius Clay in Hartford, CT. Originally a club of … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Rhode Island Wide-Awakes
Faith & Freedom Friday: Raymond J. Pettine
Born on July 6, 1912, Raymond James Pettine knew from an early age that he wanted a career in law … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Raymond J. Pettine
Object Thursday: February Flowers
As another day of cold winter rain seeps into our bones, we cannot help but day dream of spring. As … Continue reading Object Thursday: February Flowers
Faith & Freedom Friday: Thomas Howland
He appraises us through the paint with a skeptical look, his eyebrow raised and his mouth nearly a smirk—or is … Continue reading Faith & Freedom Friday: Thomas Howland
Object Thursday: What is a Gazetteer?
Howard Chapin’s 1931 Gazateer of Rhode Island may not be a thing of beauty, but its five hundred and one … Continue reading Object Thursday: What is a Gazetteer?
Object Thursday: Chocolate Mysteries
What says Valentine’s Day like borrowing a thousand pounds of chocolate? This is one of the few documents found in … Continue reading Object Thursday: Chocolate Mysteries
Object Thursday: The Blizzard Shirt
I’ll admit it now: I’m not from here. So the first winter I was in grad school in Providence, I … Continue reading Object Thursday: The Blizzard Shirt
Object Thursday: In the Pocket
On January 8th, I had the pleasure of spending the whole day with collections researchers. This is not as common … Continue reading Object Thursday: In the Pocket
Object Thursday: A Chair, and the Measure of a Man
John Brown, by all estimates, was not a small man. His waistcoat measurements lead one historical clothing expert to estimate … Continue reading Object Thursday: A Chair, and the Measure of a Man
Mad Hats!
Artist/ Rebel/ Dandy: Men of Fashion will open to the public at the RISD Museum on April 28, 2013 and … Continue reading Mad Hats!
Friends in Books
So I’m minding my own business, cataloging a Baltimore Imprint of “Fables Amusantes” from the RIHS vault that was printed … Continue reading Friends in Books
Baby It's Cold Outside
Last week I got a call from someone asking for the address of S. J. Perelman, cartoonist, screenwriter, parodist and … Continue reading Baby It's Cold Outside
Elm Tree at the John Brown House
The Rhode Island Historical Society is deeply saddened to announce the impending loss of one of our beloved elm trees … Continue reading Elm Tree at the John Brown House
Object Thursdays: Eleanor Cozzens Feke
or, Love, Loss, and What She Didn’t Wear She gazes serenely from the wall at the John Brown House Museum, … Continue reading Object Thursdays: Eleanor Cozzens Feke
Object Thursdays – Small Netting Shuttles
Small shuttles made of bone, ivory, wood, silver and other metals can be found in the sewing boxes of women … Continue reading Object Thursdays – Small Netting Shuttles
Object Thursdays: Bobby Hackett
Rhode Island is steeped in musical history from the Algonkins to Sissieretta Jones all the way up to the present … Continue reading Object Thursdays: Bobby Hackett
Object Thursdays: A Lunar Calendar
This Object Thursday, we bring you a favorite: an important item of Rhode Island Judaica: A Lunar Calendar, of the Festivals, … Continue reading Object Thursdays: A Lunar Calendar
Object Thursdays- The Foot Race
If you are a member of RIHS you may recognize the photograph here from our recent annual campaign postcard. Perhaps … Continue reading Object Thursdays- The Foot Race
Object Thursdays: A Proclamation of Thanksgiving
The phrase that leaps out at me from this broadside is “abstain from the Servile Labour of their common Callings.” … Continue reading Object Thursdays: A Proclamation of Thanksgiving
Object Thursdays – Ship's Log
The Society’s collection of maritime records includes a large number of ships logs in MSS 828: The Ships’ Logs Collection. … Continue reading Object Thursdays – Ship's Log
Object Thursdays – Office Technology
The Library holds a treasure trove of material that dates back to our beginnings in 1822. My favorite objects are … Continue reading Object Thursdays – Office Technology
Object Thursdays – Pocketbook
Pocketbooks, quite literally a book shaped object with a pocket (or two or more), from the 17th through 19th centuries … Continue reading Object Thursdays – Pocketbook
Your Revolutionary Past
Most of us a have a rebel or two in the extended family tree, but how many of us have … Continue reading Your Revolutionary Past
(Emergency) Repairs Complete
Today wasn’t quite the day any of us had planned. We were closed here at the RIHS Library due to … Continue reading (Emergency) Repairs Complete
News Flash! Library Closed October 17, 2012
Due to water main work, the RIHS Library will be CLOSED on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. We expect to re-open … Continue reading News Flash! Library Closed October 17, 2012
History Many Ways: What Cheer! Day 2012
One of the most rewarding things about working at the RIHS is the opportunity to share our wonderful collections with … Continue reading History Many Ways: What Cheer! Day 2012
Bye-bye, boiler!
On September 5, the boiler at the RIHS Library was officially pronounced dead, having suffered a fatal crack in two … Continue reading Bye-bye, boiler!
What Cheer! Day Preparation Underway
It’s a busy week for us here at the RIHS, as everyone prepares for our first What Cheer! Day on … Continue reading What Cheer! Day Preparation Underway
What Cheer Day Conference at RIHS
As part of What Cheer Day on October 13, RIHS Library will offer Collections Sneak Peaks at 11 am and … Continue reading What Cheer Day Conference at RIHS
RI Cemetery Database Updated
New data and photograph files about burials in the Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries (RIHC) Database have just been added to … Continue reading RI Cemetery Database Updated
Smelling Providence
What did the past smell like? I think that’s something many of us would like to know about the past. … Continue reading Smelling Providence
Fireflies in the Courtyard
Opening September 20th, the Rhode Island Historical Society will host the Firefly Grove in the courtyard of the John Brown House Museum. … Continue reading Fireflies in the Courtyard
Framing a Plan
This coming weekend, I’ll be joining in at the Coggeshall Farm Harvest Fair, along with RIHS Registrar Dana Signe Munroe. … Continue reading Framing a Plan
Help for Genealogists!
Starting tomorrow, Saturday, September 8, members of the Rhode Island Genealogical Society will be available at RIHS Library to assist … Continue reading Help for Genealogists!
Early RIHS Publications Online
Since 1827, five years after the founding of the Rhode Island Historical Society, we have been publishing books, periodicals, and … Continue reading Early RIHS Publications Online
Reduced Copy and Camera Fees!
You spoke and we listened! Thank you to all who answered our membership survey. Based on your feedback we’ve made … Continue reading Reduced Copy and Camera Fees!
The Pursuit of Peace in Rhode Island
As Tolstoy knew, war and peace go hand in hand so it’s appropriate to the 2012 RIHS theme of Rhode … Continue reading The Pursuit of Peace in Rhode Island
Sneak a Peak at the Gallery
Each day we work at the museum, we get a little closer to finishing the exhibit installation. The cases in … Continue reading Sneak a Peak at the Gallery
Behind the Scenes at the Museum
The collections staff at the John Brown House Museum has been working for several months preparing the former silver and … Continue reading Behind the Scenes at the Museum
Rooftop Views of Providence
In Early May the library exterior was covered in scaffolding to prepare for the work on the new library roof—no … Continue reading Rooftop Views of Providence
Memorial Day: Remembering Rhode Island’s Early Veterans
In the process of helping to create a year of programming based on “Rhode Island at War,” and as a … Continue reading Memorial Day: Remembering Rhode Island’s Early Veterans
RIHS Ink: Why So Old
While most of the Society’s library materials start with 1636, the date of the founding of the Providence, the Printed … Continue reading RIHS Ink: Why So Old
John Brown House Museum: Yankee Magazine Editors Choice Award
First we were a Local Treasure in the January-February 2012 issue of Yankee Magazine, and now the museum has been … Continue reading John Brown House Museum: Yankee Magazine Editors Choice Award
Making the News
Thanks to our neighbor up Hope Street, ecoRI.org, the news about the Society’s recent IMLS grant award and plans to … Continue reading Making the News
Nuclear Nathanael Greene
In another serendipitous moment, while looking for a sheet of much earlier 5-cent stamps, I found this: The USS Nathanael … Continue reading Nuclear Nathanael Greene
Happy Rhody Independence Day!
Two full months before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia declared independence from Great Britain, the General Assembly of Rhode Island … Continue reading Happy Rhody Independence Day!
New look, same schedule
The John Brown House wore scaffold of steel, planks and mesh for a few seasons. Now it’s the Library’s turn. … Continue reading New look, same schedule
Great Grant News!
In October, the RIHS applied for a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Conservation … Continue reading Great Grant News!
All Cleaned Up
We arrived at 8, and started cleaning at 10. We finished a little after 4, with three rooms and two … Continue reading All Cleaned Up
Hot doughnuts and the front, Rhode Island and the First World War
In keeping with the Society’s year long theme of Rhode Island at War, I decided to spotlight the Gertrude C. … Continue reading Hot doughnuts and the front, Rhode Island and the First World War
Civil War Science
An article in today’s New York Times presents the case a larger total of Civil War casualties. In a paper published … Continue reading Civil War Science
Robot Curators, or, How Museums Make Us Human
Here at the RIHS, we talk a great deal about our Mission, and check everything we do and collect against … Continue reading Robot Curators, or, How Museums Make Us Human
Crazy Corsets
Technically, it’s not a corset. The garment driving me mad is a set of stays patterned from an original in … Continue reading Crazy Corsets
The Root of the Matter
On March 22, 1860, a group of enterprising amateur historians set about excavating the grave of Roger Williams. I realized … Continue reading The Root of the Matter
A Day of Experimental Archaeology
Eighteenth and 21st centuries meet at the John Brown House Museum when RIHS Director of Collections Kirsten Hammerstrom and Registrar … Continue reading A Day of Experimental Archaeology
Conscientious Convictions
Among the 19th century Rhode Island women I’ve been introduced to at RIHS Library, Elizabeth Buffum Chace (1806-1899) may be … Continue reading Conscientious Convictions
Bag A Squirrel
Here at the RIHS, we’re working on a year of interpretive programming built around the theme “Rhode Island at War,” … Continue reading Bag A Squirrel
Register and Read
Have you been pining for JSTOR? I know I have, and I was delighted by the Early Journal Content. (That’s … Continue reading Register and Read
Rhode Island’s Right Stuff
Monday, February 20, is the 50th anniversary of John Glenn’s three-earth-orbit flight in the Mercury spacecraft called Friendship 7. In … Continue reading Rhode Island’s Right Stuff
Library Welcomes MET School Scholars
Students from the MET School in Providence visited the library this week to research primary documents about the Civil War. … Continue reading Library Welcomes MET School Scholars
Tale of Two Books
When is the same book not the same book? One of my greatest joys at the Library has been cataloging … Continue reading Tale of Two Books
In Honor and Memory: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
To celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we are looking back at … Continue reading In Honor and Memory: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
The War on Tuberculosis
Our January presentation in the Library’s display case gives us a glimpse at the important features in our state’s efforts … Continue reading The War on Tuberculosis
Cold Christmas
New England troops had a cold Christmas in 1777 at Valley Forge. Most of us are familiar with the story—ragged, … Continue reading Cold Christmas
What's in a Pocket?
Lucy Lockett lost her pocket Kitty Fisher found it Not a penny was there in it Only ribbon round it … Continue reading What's in a Pocket?
Fire Cake & Water: Soldiers’ Winter Part III
Perception is reality, but how does a soldier’s own reality color his perception? For Jeremiah Greenman of the 2nd Rhode … Continue reading Fire Cake & Water: Soldiers’ Winter Part III
Wild goose-foot paddle boat chase
A recent reference inquiry led to a partially successful search for information on a twelve ton boat fitted out by … Continue reading Wild goose-foot paddle boat chase
Soldiers' Winter Part II
There is yet another Rhode Island record of the events at Fort Mifflin: the letters of Ebenezer David, Chaplain of … Continue reading Soldiers' Winter Part II
Soldiers’ Winter
Sometimes you find the best things in a random way: thanks to an emailed reference question, I discovered the diary … Continue reading Soldiers’ Winter
One for the Little Boy
At an event commemorating the 235th anniversary of the Fall of Fort Lee in New Jersey, I watched the re-enactors’ … Continue reading One for the Little Boy
Rhode Island Begins
In the beginning, there were Wampanoag and Narragansett people, among others. There were villages and crops, the ocean and the … Continue reading Rhode Island Begins
Unknown Soldiers
Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and we hope you will join us at the Museum of Work & Culture at 11:00 … Continue reading Unknown Soldiers
Jireh Bull Garrison House
On Wednesday, October 26, we were fortunate enough to have Colin Porter, Ph.D. candidate at Brown, speak about the archaeology … Continue reading Jireh Bull Garrison House
Song of Rhode Island
Picture a lonely night in Omaha. Maybe it’s raining. And the heart of one soul longs for…..Rhode Island! This little … Continue reading Song of Rhode Island
Newspapers Conquer America!
Ever dreamed you could visualize the growth of the Newspaper Trade across the country? Well our day has come. This … Continue reading Newspapers Conquer America!
ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER IRENE — ALL IS WELL (AND DRY) IN THE RIHS LIBRARY
As we enter Hurricane Season in Providence we count ourselves lucky to have seen Hurricane IRENE pass by without causing … Continue reading ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER IRENE — ALL IS WELL (AND DRY) IN THE RIHS LIBRARY
New Policy! Cameras allowed starting July 1 at the RIHS Library!
Credit: BigTallGuy, from Flickr New Policy! Cameras allowed starting July 1 at the RIHS Library! The Rhode Island Historical Society … Continue reading New Policy! Cameras allowed starting July 1 at the RIHS Library!
Native American Reading List
Dr. Paul Robinson’s recent lecture on Native American sites now under investigation in Rhode Island drew a crowd of over 100 people. … Continue reading Native American Reading List
Native Villages of Rhode Island
RIHS invites Dr. Paul Robinson, Principal State Archaeologist at the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, to report on Native … Continue reading Native Villages of Rhode Island
Happy Rhody Independence Day!
! Happy Independence Day Rhode Island! Two full months before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia declared independence from Great Britain, … Continue reading Happy Rhody Independence Day!
Memory Frontier
Christine DeLucia, a NERFC scholar who carried out research at the RIHS Library last fall, has recently been given the … Continue reading Memory Frontier
Who’s the Mann?
People are most familiar with Horace Mann (1796-1859) for his dedicated work for public education. But he applied the same … Continue reading Who’s the Mann?
A Helping Hand
The American-French Genealogical Society sent out a request for assistance recently. The AFGS has been extremely busy with new and … Continue reading A Helping Hand
Somewhere in France…part 2
After the war, Miss Bray compiled notes from her diaries and letters home into a typed manuscript now owned by … Continue reading Somewhere in France…part 2
Somewhere in France…part 1
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re marking it in the Library’s display case by featuring the volunteer work Rhode … Continue reading Somewhere in France…part 1
Job Well Done
Good students have been getting rewards of one kind or another for a long time, and the companies producing and … Continue reading Job Well Done
Night at the Movies
As you’re making your weekend plans don’t forget that the Historical Society still has two nights in our series of … Continue reading Night at the Movies
The Nukelace
From the 29 September 1961 Pawtucket Times:
Trails of Memory
We had such a great turnout and so much interest in last Wednesday’s program that we wanted to post some … Continue reading Trails of Memory
Imago Mundi
Here at the RIHS, we realize there are many ways of interpreting and presenting the history of a place; most … Continue reading Imago Mundi
The Moment is at Hand
The Historical Society’s book sale starts this evening at 5:00 (and runs to 8:00). Tomorrow’s hours are 10:00 am to … Continue reading The Moment is at Hand
40%, As Long As It Isn't a Toy
If you’ve ever wondered what the import tariff on tallow candles, tamarind juice, or any number of other goods (including … Continue reading 40%, As Long As It Isn't a Toy
How To Become an Inventor
(Hint: It seems to involve model trains.) How to Become an Inventor offers a series of experiments like “The Magnetic … Continue reading How To Become an Inventor
Guides to the Past on Sale
Time-travelling visitors to Boston or Providence shouldn’t miss the Historical Society’s upcoming booksale on December 3rd and 4th. Here are … Continue reading Guides to the Past on Sale
HVAC Work Completed
In June, the new HVAC upgrades at the John Brown House Museum were completed. With the dust settled (and nearly … Continue reading HVAC Work Completed
Instructive Alphabet
Here’s the first post highlighting one of the items we’ll have available at the upcoming RIHS booksale: The Instructive Alphabet, … Continue reading Instructive Alphabet
RIHS Booksale
The Rhode Island Historical Society will hold a book sale on Friday, December 3 from 5 pm to 8 pm … Continue reading RIHS Booksale
Leather and Textiles
Two quick notes on recent and upcoming events at the Historical Society: First, space is still available for Saturday’s textile … Continue reading Leather and Textiles
New Online Resource
We’re pleased to announce the availability of a new online resource: The Atlas of the Rhode Island Book Trade in … Continue reading New Online Resource
The Elephant
Unfortunately, this post just missed Elephant Appreciation Day, but better late than never. “The Elephant”* is a broadside advertising the … Continue reading The Elephant
Autumn Events at the RIHS
As we head in to the autumn months, we’re offering a full schedule of lectures, workshops and other events at … Continue reading Autumn Events at the RIHS
Providence Vaudeville
“Spring of ’17“, an online resource created by Micah Salkind, recreates the topography of Providence theaters in the early twentieth … Continue reading Providence Vaudeville
Bookplates
In addition to collections of materials like books, manuscripts and images, the Historical Society has a wide range of ephemeral … Continue reading Bookplates
Providence WaterFire, 1784
According to the website for Providence’s WaterFire, the summer event requires “hundreds of volunteers” devoting “thousands of hours”. But for … Continue reading Providence WaterFire, 1784
John Russell Bartlett on History Detectives
In case you missed the 19 July edition of History Detectives and didn’t get to hear Jerry Mueller discuss John … Continue reading John Russell Bartlett on History Detectives
Beach Rules
The first page of The Newport Tide Almanac for the Year 1864 offers the following: RULES FOR BATHING AT NEWPORT … Continue reading Beach Rules
The Best Pie They Ever Tasted (Martin Page, part II)
In his cypher book, Martin Page let his artistic skills shine, but when the time came to put his life … Continue reading The Best Pie They Ever Tasted (Martin Page, part II)
Feel the Burn
As we begin the season of celebrating Gaspee Days (6 May to 13 June)—complete with children dressed as gravediggers—, here’s … Continue reading Feel the Burn
The Third Dimension
The visual splendor of James Cameron’s Avatar might seem to occupy the cutting edge of entertainment, but in fact 3D … Continue reading The Third Dimension
Celebrating Preservation
This is the start of Preservation Week*, and we wanted to highlight one of our most recent efforts to ensure … Continue reading Celebrating Preservation
Independence Day
It’s that time again, time to celebrate Rhode Island’s declaration of their independence from Great Britain. Last year we posted … Continue reading Independence Day
RIHS Graphics Blog!
For even more information about the Historical Society’s collections (the graphics collection in particular), visit the latest RIHS blog, the … Continue reading RIHS Graphics Blog!
Rhode Island's First Flowering
With the flooding rains and the record high temperatures this spring, Rhode Island has gone into early bloom. Rhode Island’s … Continue reading Rhode Island's First Flowering
George Lee Gaskell
Just a reminder of tonight’s event at the Historical Society Research Library, where Robert Grandchamp will discuss George Lee Gaskell, … Continue reading George Lee Gaskell
Grog O' Clock (Martin Page, part I)
Faced with a diary or a memoir or a collection of someone’s correspondence, it’s a natural impulse to try to … Continue reading Grog O' Clock (Martin Page, part I)
Elizabeth "Betty" Johnson
The sources of history we’re fortunate enough to have access to today usually owe their survival to dedicated individuals of … Continue reading Elizabeth "Betty" Johnson
Westminster Stories
According to Florence Simister*, Westminster Street in Providence was named by residents of the street who eventually hoped to set … Continue reading Westminster Stories
Drilling at the John Brown House
Monday marked a milestone in the history of the Rhode Island Historical Society and the John Brown House Museum as … Continue reading Drilling at the John Brown House
Talk of the Town, 18th Century-Style
Thanks to the generous support from the following organizations: Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution Rhode Island … Continue reading Talk of the Town, 18th Century-Style
Christ Church Records
With this post we’re beginning what will hopefully become a regular feature, our collection of the month, and our first … Continue reading Christ Church Records
The King is Dead! (Oh, wait…) Long Live the King! (Sanford Ross, pt. 2)
Our last post described Sanford Ross and some of the details of his daily life that are vividly brought out … Continue reading The King is Dead! (Oh, wait…) Long Live the King! (Sanford Ross, pt. 2)
Sanford Ross, pt. 1
The previous post offered a note on the Thanksgiving celebrations of 1812 in Rhode Island*. That it turns up in … Continue reading Sanford Ross, pt. 1
Happy Thanks Givin
The image below is taken from a copy of the 1812 New England Almanack. This almanac and a few others … Continue reading Happy Thanks Givin
Charter Day
346 years ago this November 24th, 1663 George Baxter was called before the General Court of Commissioners and asked to … Continue reading Charter Day
Autumn
Now that autumn is in full swing, it’s time to do something with all the apples you’ve picked. To aid … Continue reading Autumn
RIHS Events
This is a busy time at the Historical Society, and while we have an events calendar as well as a … Continue reading RIHS Events
Dancing with the Caroline Islanders
RIHS Collections Assistant Delia Kovac recently came across an item that has everything a Hollywood movie script could ask for: … Continue reading Dancing with the Caroline Islanders
Rhode Island Radio Lecture on Thursday
Despite being repeatedly and prematurely pronounced dead (at the hand of television, the internet, or whatever comes next), radio is … Continue reading Rhode Island Radio Lecture on Thursday
Rhode Island Historical Society Awarded $99,400 Grant for Graphics Inventory Project
By Karen Eberhart, Special Collections Curator From a hand-drawn map of Block Island created in 1661 to footage of Vincent … Continue reading Rhode Island Historical Society Awarded $99,400 Grant for Graphics Inventory Project
"This Sanguinary Monster"*: The Pirate Gibbs, pt. 2
The recent high-profile acts of piracy in Somalia have highlighted the divide between the reality of piracy and our romanticized … Continue reading "This Sanguinary Monster"*: The Pirate Gibbs, pt. 2
"400 Human Beings!": The Pirate Gibbs, pt. 1
This, the second of the summer’s pirate-themed blog posts, centers on the brutal pirate, Charles Gibbs. A Rhode Island native, … Continue reading "400 Human Beings!": The Pirate Gibbs, pt. 1
Diamonds
The Historical Society is pleased to announce that thanks to a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation, we’ll be … Continue reading Diamonds
Robots in Providence
The item described here answers the age-old question of what to do on a Saturday afternoon. In this case, the … Continue reading Robots in Providence
Pirate Treasure!
As promised, here is the first of the summer’s pirate-related blog posts, and we’re starting with a pleasant thought in … Continue reading Pirate Treasure!
Odd Fellows Indeed
Secret societies have an enduring appeal and they’ve prompted speculation about their motivations and influence for a long time. Why … Continue reading Odd Fellows Indeed
Thomas Tew
*******Updated, 9 October 2009 below****** Check out today’s Providence Journal for Thomas Morgan’s article on the Rhode Island pirate Thomas … Continue reading Thomas Tew
July 4 Walking Tour of Fox Point
A Fox Point Fourth of July On July 4th, the scheduled 11:00 a.m. walking tour will be a patriotic stroll … Continue reading July 4 Walking Tour of Fox Point
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Primary source institutions like libraries, museums, and historical societies are often filled with repurposed objects, items originally intended to fulfill … Continue reading Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Nineteenth-Century Twitter
Cultural critics have gone back and forth about the effect that technologies like text messaging or Twitter are having on … Continue reading Nineteenth-Century Twitter
Uncovering Hidden Collections: a Look at the RIHS Graphics Collection Survey Project
By Jim DaMico, Graphics Project Archivist On January 16, 2007, the RIHS Library embarked on a systematic survey of the … Continue reading Uncovering Hidden Collections: a Look at the RIHS Graphics Collection Survey Project
The Land of Generica
Nathaniel Bowditch’s American Practical Navigator is the classic manual for sailors, offering practical (not surprisingly) advice for all manner of … Continue reading The Land of Generica
Megan Kate Nelson Lecture
(Visit our online calendar to keep up with events and closings.) Join us this Thursday evening at the Historical Society … Continue reading Megan Kate Nelson Lecture
Happy Independence Day
Yes, it’s true that July 4th is the traditional day of celebrating the 13 American Colonies’ independence from Great Britain. … Continue reading Happy Independence Day
Rhode Island Italian Genealogy Bibliography
As a follow-up to this weekend’s excellent session with Barbara Carroll on Rhode Island Italian Genealogy, here’s a list of … Continue reading Rhode Island Italian Genealogy Bibliography
An Impartial Hand
In a recent New Yorker article on the history of debtor imprisonment*, Jill Lepore briefly mentions a 1754 Rhode Island … Continue reading An Impartial Hand
Rhode Island Italian
Don’t miss the chance to learn more about conducting genealogical research on your Italian ancestors. This Saturday from 10:00-12:30 professional … Continue reading Rhode Island Italian
A Lunar Calendar
In celebration of the beginning of Passover, here’s an important item of Rhode Island Judaica: A Lunar Calendar, of the … Continue reading A Lunar Calendar
Here be Cannons, or, Where the Horses are "Boney and Strong"
War brings a new perspective to most things, including maps. The surveying for this map of the Narragansett Bay was … Continue reading Here be Cannons, or, Where the Horses are "Boney and Strong"
The Ardent Desire
Picking up on the discussion of broadsides in a previous post, today we’ll highlight another broadside from the collection: The … Continue reading The Ardent Desire
Chronicles of Brunonia
A fascinating collection of student-produced historical narratives (a number of them using materials from the Rhode Island Historical Society’s collections) … Continue reading Chronicles of Brunonia
A Day of Humiliation and Mourning
On this, the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth (and Charles Darwin’s), we’ll take a moment to look back at the … Continue reading A Day of Humiliation and Mourning
Lincoln and Rhode Island
In the spirit of the widespread celebrations of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday, we’ll be highlighting a few of the Lincoln-related … Continue reading Lincoln and Rhode Island
Events this Weekend
Saturday August 23, 11:00 a.m. Celebrating H. P. Lovecraft: A Literary Walk This walking tour celebrates the life and work … Continue reading Events this Weekend
Roland O. Campbell, 1920-2008
Former long-time RIHS staff member Roland Campbell passed away on the evening of August 13 at the age of 88. … Continue reading Roland O. Campbell, 1920-2008
Welcome to the RIHS
The Rhode Island Historical Society is a privately endowed membership organization, founded in 1822, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing … Continue reading Welcome to the RIHS
Project Updates & Next Steps
The RHODI directory went live in October 2013. We spent the last months of the year finalizing the RHODI white … Continue reading Project Updates & Next Steps
RHODI White Paper
We are pleased to announce that the RHODI White Paper is now available. “