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 1853-1939
online in the Digital Archive.
Things to know for Family Research
1
Whose story will you
research?
Come prepared with your ancestor’s full name and date of birth or death.
Additional information such as names of parents, siblings, spouse, or city
of birth are also helpful.
2
Is the record you need old
enough to be at the
State Archives?
Death records must be at least 50 years old.
Marriage and Birth records must be at least 100 years old.
What is Available
VITAL RECORDS
Explore records of births, marriages, and deaths in Rhode Island dating to
the 1600s. Note: To request records of births and marriages under 100
years, and deaths under 50 years, please visit the Department of
Health, Office of Vital Records or call 401-222-2811.
CENSUS RECORDS
Learn where your ancestors lived, trace new family members, and research
family connections.
CITY AND TOWN DIRECTORIES
Dive deeper into the life and businesses of Rhode Island and make new
connections to your own family history with directories dating back to 1824.
MILITARY RECORDS
Discover military service on your family tree with State Archives records
dating to the mid-1700s.
