Rhode Island is home to over 150 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Providence to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Rhode Island's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
The Preservation Society of Newport County
Location: Rhode Island
Operates eleven historic properties including The Breakers and Marble House
Website: newportmansions.org
Crompton Free Library
Location: Rhode Island
Great Friends Meeting House
Location: 30 Farewell StNewport, Rhode Island, RI
Jamestown Museum
Location: Unknown, RI
Jamestown Windmill
Location: Jamestown, Rhode Island, RI
John Waterman Arnold House
Location: Rhode Island
Museum of Newport History
Location: Newport,RI, RI
Nelson W. Aldrich House
Location: Rhode Island
Newport Historical Society
Location: Rhode Island
Preserves Newport's history as colonial port, Gilded Age summer resort, and sailing capital
Website: newporthistory.org
Paine House (Coventry, Rhode Island)
Location: Coventry, Rhode Island, RI
Paradise School
Location: Middletown, Rhode Island, RI
Rhode Island Historical Society
Location: Rhode Island
Fourth-oldest state historical society in America, operating museum and research library
Website: rihs.org
South County History Center
Location: Unknown, RI
Wanton–Lyman–Hazard House
Location: 17 Broadway,Newport, Rhode Island, RI
Submit a Society
Know of other Rhode Island historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.
Submit a Society →Additional Rhode Island History Resources
- Rhode Island Historical Society - Statewide history organization
- Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- Rhode Island State Archives - State archives in Providence