Rhode Island Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection is an electronic database of birth, baptism and christening records from the state of Rhode Island covering events from 1600 through 1914. This index is not complete for any particular place, region or time period. Many records predate Rhode Island statehood. This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 2

Coverage Table
This collection is a partial index of records for the localities listed below as of April 2010. The table below shows the number of records by locality. Most of these records date from the time period indicated in the collection title. However, there may be records before and after these dates. As this is an index of records compiled from various sources, it is strongly recommended that you verify the information in original records. Due to privacy laws not all records may be displayed.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The date of birth
 * The place of birth

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Look at an image of the original record, if possible. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index
 * Use the information to find other records such as marriage, death, or census records
 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname, unless the surname is a common surname. This list can help you identify possible relatives that can be verified by records

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Try viewing any original indexes to see if there were errors in the transcription of the name, age, residence, etc.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames, middles name, or an abbreviation of their given name

Research Helps
The following articles will help you research your family in the state of Rhode Island.
 * Rhode Island Guided Research
 * Rhode Island Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Rhode Island Research, 1880-Present

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Frank T. Calef, Genealogical index Rhode Island records
 * Bristol (R.I.) birth index, 1690-2002
 * Bristol, Town Clerk, Vital records, 1696-1920
 * Bristol, Town Clerk, Vital records, 1680-1850

FamilySearch Digital Library

 * compiled by The Historical Records Survey, Division of Community Service Projects, Work Projects Administration ; sponsor: state of Rhode Island, Department of State : Record Commissioner. Guide to the public vital statistics records (births, marriages, deaths) in the state of Rhode Island and Providence plantations : containing chronologies of the legislation relating to or affecting the records together with an outline of the civic division of the state. Providence, Rhode Island : Historical Records Survey (Rhode Island), 1941
 * James N. Arnold, Vital record of Rhode Island, 1636-1850 : first series: births, marriages, and deaths; a family register for the people 21 volumes. Providence, Rhode Island : Narragansett Historical, 1891-1912

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.