Rhode Island State Archives


 * Rhode Island State Archives 33 Broad Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: 401-222-2353 Email: [mailto:statearchives@sos.ri.gov statearchives@sos.ri.gov] Website Mon - Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public

PARKING: Limited on-site and metered street parking available. Additional validated parking available in neighboring lot.

The State Archives is home to more than 10 million letters, photographs, and important state documents that form a permanent, tangible record of Rhode Island’s rich history. Holdings date back to 1638 and include Rhode Island’s copies of the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.

Records at the State Archives have been used by generations of Rhode Islanders to trace family history, study immigration, and research demographics. View Vital Records from 1853-1920 online in the Digital Archive.

Holdings include state census records for the years 1865-1935 (in ten-year intervals); state birth and marriage records for the years 1853-1897, state deaths for the years 1853-1947; military records; legislative records; and records of state departments, agencies, boards and commissions. The archives also maintain a large map collection and over 50,000 photographs.

Browse thousands of photographs and manuscripts and explore themed virtual exhibits online. Search the catalog to find specific records and resources.


 * Online Catalog
 * Digital Archives