This file is as complete and accurate as possible, however if you should find errors, have additions or deletions, send them to me and I will update the file. Bill Green bill90@Delphi.Com BillUSPS@AOL.Com Date of last update: 29 March 1995 ************************************************************************** GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF RHODE ISLAND 4 March 1989 Robert McLaren 7810 Kincardine Ct. Alexandria, VA 22310-4025 The following file contains a listing of genealogical and historical societies in Rhode Island. Included in the listing, where known, are telephone numbers and yearly dues. This listing is donated to the public domain and may be freely copied. Under no conditions can this listing be sold or used in any other commercial fashion. If you think this list has any value, then donate that value in helping your local genealogical society (or the National Genealogical Society). If you write to any of the societies on this list for information, remember to include a self addressed stamped envelop (SASE). Many of these societies work with a limited budget, supplemented by volunteers, and can not afford to respond unless a SASE is included in your letter. Rhode Island Genealogical Society P.O. Box 7618 Warwick, RI 02887-7618 Dues: Rhode Island State Historical Society 52 Power Street Providence, RI 02906 Dues: Newport County Newport Historical Society 82 Touro Street Newport, RI 02840 Dues: ************************************************************************** VITAL RECORDS Town Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths Records of births, marriages, and deaths have been kept by town clerks since the 1630s. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific, and the records after that time are more complete. Town minutes and land evidences sometimes also give vital statistics information. State Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths %q~Statewide registration of births, marriaG u8$Xnd deaths began in January 1853 and was generally complied with by 1915. Copies of marriage and death records from 1853 to 1964 are available at the Rhode Island State Records Center. All birth, marriage, and death records since 1853 are at: Rhode Island Department of Health Division of Vital Statistics Cannon Building, Room 101 75 Davis Street Providence, RI 02908 You can write to the Division of Vital Statistics for current information. Members of an incorporated genealogical society may view and copy the records. Divorce Records Early divorce records were recorded in the supreme court records. Divorce records before 1962 are at: Providence College Archives, Phillips Memorial Library River Avenue and Eaton Street Providence, RI 02918 Divorce records after 1962 are kept by: Family Court 22 Hayes Street Providence, RI 02908 (Source: FHC Research Guide) ************************************************************************** STATE ARCHIVES Rhode Island State Archives State House, Room 43 Providence, RI 02903 The archives can provide you with photocopies of birth and marriage records over 100 years old and death records over 50 years old. They also have RI military records and some of the state census'. Copies can be requested by e-mail and cost 15 cents per page [or you can pay $12 at the RI Dept. of Health the choice is yours :) ]. They ask that you limit you requests to three per message. For more information write to reference@archives.state.ri.us and ask for their electronic brochure. It will explain all the services in more detail. Rhode Island Genealogical Society P.O. Box 7618 Warwick, RI 02887-7618 Rhode Island Historical Society Library 121 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 Rhode Island State Records Center Veterans Memorial Building 83 Park Street Providence, RI 02903 New England Historic Genealogical Society 101 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 (Source: FHC Research Guide) ************************************************************************** NEWSPAPER GENEALOGICAL COLUMNS **************************************************************************** * Bill Green Minot, North Dakota 58701 * Home of the * * BillUSPS@AOL.Com * NORSK H0STFEST * * Bill90@Delphi.Com * Velkommen! * ****************************************************************************