Organizations
The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in The United States
Offers information about the national organization, American treasures are of particular interest.
The Rhode Island Historical Society
Located 110 Benevolent St in Providence: it is a gold mine of information . Research requires an appointment.
The Providence Preservation Society
The 1769 Old Brick SchoolHouse 24 Meeting Street in Providence. Advocates for inclusive preservation of neighborhoods .
Rhode Island Secretary of State
“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. Resources are available online through the Catalog, Digital Archives, and Virtual Exhibits, which are continuously updated with new content from the collection.”
Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission
State agency for historical preservation and heritage programs.
Preserve RI
Jeremiah Dexter House 957 North Main Street, Providence. Statewide non-profit working to protect historic places through advocacy and stewardship. https://www.preserveri.org/african-heritage-sites – excellent site as part of Preserve RI this is a solid resource for those interested in the contributions of African Americans to RI history.
Operation Stand Down of Rhode Island
Narragansett Indian Tribe
Tomaquag Museum
International Berkeley Society
Newport Historical Society
82 Touro Street Newport RI . Research just about anything to do with Newport but make an appointment – excellent exhibits.
Preservation Society of Newport
Preservation Society stewards the beautiful mansions of Newport.
Little Compton Historical Society
548 West Main Road, Little Compton. Research available by appointment. Dynamic exhibits and programs ex. Should Jane Wish to be Sold : slavery in Little Compton.
Find a grave Rhode Island
Useful website to locate graves in the state. Some RI graveyards are tucked away in odd places and locating them is not easy. This site is helpful in that regard.
Redwood Library and Atheneum
50 Bellevue Ave Newport RI
The Redwood is the oldest private library in the United States. It has an astounding collection of early colonial material. Research appointments are necessary.
Providence Athenaeum
“Over its nearly 200 years of existence, the library has welcomed illustrious writers, spirited thinkers, and engaged community members through its doors to read, learn, gather, and debate. Our mission is to enrich the mind, inspire the spirit, and elevate the public discourse.”
Westerly Historical Society
“The mission of the Westerly Historical Society is to research, study, and preserve local history in our community.” Collections are available on-line
Center for Study of Portuguese Culture at UMASS Dartmouth
Dedicated to the study of the language, literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world.
Mary Dyer : Biography of a Rebel Quaker
This is the history of Mary Dyer (1611–1660) whose efforts to seek and find ‘freedom to worship’ led eventually to her death. This is one of the best biographies written on Mary Dyer.
Creating a colonial garden
For those interested, this is an excellent website on how to create a colonial garden. They are beautiful and the research is enlightening. It is also a wonderful window into colonial life. URI has a good information on invasive and native plants. .
Books & Reference Materials
King Philip’s War (1675 – 1678)
Roger Williams used his diplomatic skill to keep the English and Native Americans on friendly terms. However, relations between Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag slowly deteriorated.
In History’s Wake : the last Trap Fisherman in Rhode Island
Evocative photographs and first person accounts of contemporary fishing life
For as long as people have lived along Rhode Island’s meandering coast, the ocean has provided them with a ready supply of food.
Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport
President George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, is relatively short in length, but its impact on American life is immense. In 340 well-chosen words, the letter reassured those who had fled religious tyranny that life
The Bloudy Tenenet of Persecution a Conference between Truth and Peace
An interesting discussion between Roger Williams the founder of Rhode Island and John Cotton who was the preeminent theologian of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The Greatest Generation – Tom Brokah
In this magnificent testament to a nation and her people, Tom Brokaw brings to life the extraordinary stories of a generation that gave new meaning to courage, sacrifice, and honor.
