Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center
The Reading Room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and the second Saturday of the month for reference materials. For our most current hours, please visit the Robinson Research Center page.
Manuscripts, Graphics, Museum and other select collections are available by appointment only. Please contact our staff at reference@rihs.org for more information or to schedule an appointment.
For additional information about visiting please see our in-person visitor policies.
Reference and Research Services
The RIHS has created a structure for the remote reference and research services we can offer. Our goal remains to serve the public as equitably as possible while ensuring the sustainability of the organization.
Every Rhode Island resident receives a FREE reference interview and up to 1 hour of research. This includes, but is not limited to, time spent searching our physical card catalog, scanning material to create shareable files, and/or reviewing reels of microfilm.
Every RIHS Member receives a FREE reference interview and up to 2 hours of research. RIHS memberships begin at $40 and also feature benefits including our publications, free admission to our museums and annual concert series, discounts on our events and programs, and more. Learn more about becoming an RIHS member.
Paid research services are available beyond the benefits outlined above:
- $50/hour of research (an estimate will be provided before work begins)
**Please note that scanning is subject to the condition of the material. Rates are subject to change.
Rights & Reproductions
To request reproductions for publications, see our Rights & Reproductions page.