Rhode Island Research Tips and Strategies

Rhode Island Research Strategies
Below are links to different research strategy pages to help you locate your ancestors in Rhode Island


 * Rhode Island Online Genealogy Records
 * How to find Rhode Island Birth Records
 * How to find Rhode Island Marriage Records
 * How to find Rhode Island Death Records

Rhode Island Research Tips
These tips will help you as you research your ancestors in Rhode Island.


 * Birth information: State wide registration of births in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier birth records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns. The best substitute record for locating birth information is death records (the majority of death records will list the date of birth of the decedent, and since death certificates are considered a primary resource, they can provide you with the same documentation as a birth certificate). Or, try these other substitute records.
 * Finding Parents: State wide registration of deaths in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier death records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Rhode Island death records
 * Look in all censuses: Always look for your ancestor in every possible census. There are clues regarding immigration, naturalization, and occupation that can lead to other records. Sometimes parents can be found living with their children later in life. Search U.S. Censuses.

Rhode Island Record Finder
This Record Finder is designed to help you determine the best record to search for the type of information you are looking for. It is most helpful for post-1850 research.

Further Rhode Island Research
For more research on Rhode Island, including research at the county level, visit the Rhode Island page on the Research Wiki.

Search all of the Rhode Island record collections at FamilySearch.