Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

The Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association was chartered in September, 1951, for the following purposes: "To procure, collect, and preserve books, records, pamphlets, letters, manuscripts, prints, photographs, paintings, and any other historical material relating to the history of the Jews of Rhode Island; to encourage and promote the study of such history by lectures and otherwise; and to publish and diffuse information as to such history."

We have a fairly substantial library/archive that is open to the public, both to researchers and genealogists. Our collection is focused on local Rhode Island Jewish history. A partial listing of our collection can be found on our website.

In addition, we have lectures twice a year (also open to the public) and we've published a scholarly journal the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes, annually since 1955. This journal is free for members to the Association.