Honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island’s past to enrich the present and inspire the future.
The RIHS is:
The only state-wide history organization in Rhode Island
Two museums, a research center, two historic houses, and steward of four pieces of land related to King Philip’s war
More than 30 staff members and 145 volunteers
25,000 objects, 5,000 manuscripts, 100,000 books and printed items, 400,000 photographs and maps, and 9 million feet of motion-picture film
Serving 25,000 in-person visitors and 130,000 virtual visitors annually
A leading contributor to both the education and tourism sectors of Rhode Island’s economy.
Statement of Purpose:
As an important cultural institution in Rhode Island, we use materials and knowledge of the past to explore topics of timeless relevance and current public interest and benefit. Inside and outside of the walls of our buildings, the RIHS encourages broad engagement in the diversity of experiences we offer. We develop and deploy our collections, knowledge, connections, and expertise to build relationships between individuals, organizations, and communities to enhance understanding and empathy, and to engender a pride of place.