History & Genealogy
The Board of Trustees has passed a Special Collections Policy to govern use of the library’s Local History Collections. We are trying to meet the rising demand for local information while ensuring the safety of these valuable materials.
As of January 2006, you must register at the library to use the Local History Collections. Registration is fast and simple. For more information about how to register and use the collections, please read our Special Collections Policy or call the library at (401) 647-5133. Copies are also available at the Reference Desk.
Scituate History
Scituate History Database — A catalog of the library’s local history collection.
History of Providence Water and the creation of the Scituate Reservoir
Scituate Historic Architecture — In pdf. Includes history, with photos, maps; find buildings, roads, history.
Indexes to Publications of Local Interest
Scituate Reservoir Condemnation Map Index –Lists names of owners & property taken during the building of the Scituate Reservoir
Images of America: Scituate, Rhode Island Index — A book of Scituate historical photographs.
The Lost Villages of Scituate Index by Ray Wolf– A book of historical photographs related to villages under the Scituate Reservoir.
The History of Scituate, RI by Cyrus Walker, updated by Hedley Smith in 1976
Rhode Island History
Rhode Island Information on US GenWeb - articles of genealogical and historic interest on Rhode Island in general, from old Rhode Island books and newspapers.
Rhode Island Historical Society Library
Genealogy
Access Heritage Quest Online from home
Access Heritage Quest Online from the library
Access American Ancestors (New England Historical Genealogical Society Databases) (from library only)
Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Transcription Project
Rhode Island Historical Census Information